The vagina is a tubular structure several centimetres in length. It commences
in the vulva between
the outlet from the bladder
(the urethra) and
the outlet from the bowel (the anus).
It continues up into the pelvis
stopping where it joins with the cervix
which is the lower-most part of the uterus
(womb).
What is Cancer of the Vagina?
Most cancers of the vagina are secondary or metastatic, that is, they have
arisen somewhere else, usually from the cervix
or vulva and spread
to the vagina.
Primary cancer of the Vagina is a very uncommon disease accounting for less
than 2% of all cases of cancer of the female genital tract. In Queensland there
are generally less than ten cases of vaginal cancer each year. Most cases occur
in women over the age of fifty years.
Most women with cancer of the vagina will have painless vaginal bleeding (not
related to normal periods) and a discharge which is often offensive in nature.
If the woman is sexually active, this bleeding may follow sexual intercourse
(post-coital). Although not all women experiencing these symptoms will have
cancer of the vagina, any woman with symptoms should see her family doctor
without delay.
Studying the Causes
The study of the occurrence and the causes of disease in the population is
called Epidemiology. An epidemiologist studies how common a specified disease
is, who is affected by it and what are the factors that are associated with
developing that disease, as well as studies aimed at controlling the disease.
Types of Cancer of the Vagina.
Cancers of the Vagina are usually of the squamous cell type.
Factors that Increase Risk
