Why does Vaginal cancer happen?

Vaginal cancer is the growth of cells that start in the vagina. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy the body's healthy tissues. The vagina, as you all know, is a part of the female reproductive system. It is a muscular tube that connects the uterus with the outer genitals. Thus it is sometimes known as a birth canal. 

Cancer that begins in the vagina is rare, and most cancers that stay in the vagina are easy to treat. When cancer spreads beyond the vagina, it becomes much harder to treat. 

Many vaginal cancers are also associated with HPV ( Human Papillomavirus) and thus can be prevented by vaccinations advocated for the prevention of cervical cancer. In this comprehensive blog, we will get into details of vaginal cancer treatment in India and how it can be treated. 

Vaginal Cancer Treatment in India: Understanding Vaginal Cancer in Detail

Vaginal Cancer Types

There are a few main types of vaginal cancer: 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is a prevalent type of vaginal cancer, and it happens in the thin cells that line your vagina. It spreads slowly and can move to your liver, lungs or bones. Women above the age of 60 tend to get this form of vaginal cancer. 

Adenocarcinoma: This form of vaginal cancer starts in the lining of the vagina that makes mucus and other fluids. It has a high chance of spreading to your lungs and lymph nodes. 

Melanoma: A hard and unusual vaginal cancer form, me­lanoma starts in the color-making cells (melanocyte­s). It is generally located in the­ lower vaginal area. 

Sarcoma: Grows in the vagina's conne­ctive tissues or muscles. While­ uncommon, it can happen to both kids and grown-ups. Certain kinds, like rhabdomyosarcoma, are­ often found in the younger age group.

Who is at risk of vaginal cancer?

Most vaginal cancers are linked to infection with human papillomavirus or HPV. It is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease. An HPV often goes on its own, but if the infection lingers, it can cause cervical cancer as well as vaginal cancer. You are at a high risk of vaginal cancer when: 

• Your age is 60 or older
• You drink alcohol
• You have HIV
• You smoke
• You have unusual cells in the vagina

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

Some vaginal cancers have no symptoms in the early stages and only cause symptoms once they have invaded other parts of the body. They may be suspected following an abnormal cervical screening test.

Some of the symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

• painless vaginal bleeding that’s not associated with menstruation
• bleeding after sexual intercourse
• smelly vaginal discharge
• pain when urinating or passing bowel motions
• constant pelvic pain.

Contact a vaginal cancer specialist near me to know more about the symptoms. 

How to Know that You Have Vaginal Cancer? 

Besides the symptoms mentioned  above, the following tests by Vaginal Cancer Treatment Doctors in India will give you a clear diagnosis if you are suffering from vaginal cancer or not: 

How Serious is your Vaginal Cancer

To determine the severity of your vaginal cancer, doctors usually classify them into various stages: 

Vaginal Cancer Treatment Delhi: The Options Available

Surgery 

Surgery is used for early-stage vaginal cancer treatment in India that cannot be treated with radiation. The extent of the surgery will depend on the size, location and stage of the cancer. The surgery types are as follows: 

Vaginectomy: The surgery is used to remove the vagina. A gynecologic oncologist or reconstructive surgeon can repair the vagina or create a new vagina with grafts of tissue from other parts of the body. It still might be possible to have sexual intercourse after this type of surgery, but a lubrication aid may be needed.

Radical Trachelectomy: Most vaginal cancer starts in the upper part of the vagina, so removing this type of cancer involves removing the vagina along with cervix and surrounding tissues, and the rest of the uterus can be left behind in young women desirous of saving the uterus. 

Radical Hysterectomy: Sometimes, to remove vaginal cancer, the uterus and cervix both need to be removed along with vagina and adjacent tissues.

Lymphadenectomy: Lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes.

In vaginal cancer, lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymph nodes) or within the pelvis near the vagina (pelvic lymph nodes) may be removed to assess cancer spread (metastasis). This procedure is typically performed in cases of early-stage vaginal cancer.

Radiation Therapy

EBRT: External Beam Radiation Therapy is delivered from outside the body. The radiation hits only the tumor, causing no damage to the nearby tissues. 

Brachytherapy: In this, radioactive material is placed inside the vagina. 

Chemotherapy

To treat vaginal cancer in India, chemotherapy can be given : 

• At the same time radiation
• Alone
• Before the surgery to shrink the tumor

Targeted Drug Therapy

The drug therapy targets the proteins of vaginal cancer that cause them to grow. Targeted drugs work to destroy cancer cells or slow down their growth. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses medicines to help a person’s immune system better recognize and destroy cancer cells. 

Stage Wise Vaginal Cancer Treatment in India

• Stage 1: Surgery
• Stage 2, 3, 4 a: Radiation plus chemotherapy
• Sate 4 b: Chemotherapy

Vaginal Cancer Doctor in India: Why Choose Dr. Sarita Kumari for Vaginal Cancer Treatment

Expert in Gynecologic Oncology

Dr Sarita Kumari is a renowned gynecological oncologist in India who is known for her expertise and compassionate care. With extensive experience and top-tier education, she provides advanced and effective treatments for vaginal cancer.

Strong Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Sarita holds an MBBS, MD, and MCh in Gynaecologic Oncology from AIIMS, New Delhi. Her training from prestigious global institutions equips her to handle complex cancer cases with precision.

Internationally Recognized Specialist

She has received accolades like the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award and secured travel grants for international oncology forums in Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo.

Advanced Treatments & Fertility Preservation

As a member of ASGO’s Task Force, Dr. Sarita ensures cutting-edge treatment options, prioritizing both recovery and fertility preservation.

For expert care at affordable costs for vaginal cancer treatment in India, consult Dr Sarita—your trusted vaginal cancer specialist in Delhi