Vaginal cancer; Cancer - vagina; Tumor - vaginal

Treatment of vaginal cancer depends on the type of cancer, and how far the disease has spread.

Surgery is sometimes used to remove the cancer, but most patients are treated with radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to the vagina, then radiation and chemotherapy are both given.

Sarcoma botryoides may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. You can find these support groups by searching the Internet or contacting the American Cancer Society.

How well patients with vaginal cancer do depends on the stage of disease and the specific type of tumor.

Vaginal cancer may spread to other areas of the body. Complications can occur from radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice bleeding after intercourse or have persistent vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Images

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Uterus

Review Date: 01/31/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)