The vagina is a tube-shaped tube consisting of a muscular structure that connects the external genitalia to the uterus. Vaginal cancer develops from the cells that line this tube. While it is common for cancers originating from other organs to spread to the vagina, the onset of primary cancer from the vagina is rare. This disease, which gives satisfactory results when caught at an early stage, becomes difficult to treat when it spreads outside the vagina.

Symptoms:
It may not show symptoms in the early period. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
Unusual bleeding, for example after intercourse or after menopause.
Watery vaginal discharge.
Swelling or mass in the vagina
painful urination
Constipation
pelvic pain

The causes of vaginal cancer have not been fully determined. Immortal cells multiply uncontrollably and form a mass. Then the cells originating from this mass go to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis.

Vaginal Cancer Risk factors:
advanced age.
The appearance of atypical cells called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). VAIN is a lesion caused by HPV infection. However, this lesion often causes changes in cervical cells.
Having more than one sexual partner
First sexual experience at an early age
To smoke
HIV infection

Tests and Diagnosis:
Evaluation of healthy women in terms of vaginal cancer. Vaginal cancer is occasionally detected during routine examinations of women who seem healthy. During the examination, which is called the touch, which the doctor does with two teeth, hardness can be felt or the cervix and vagina can be seen with the instrument called speculum. The pap test that your doctor will do can also detect vaginal cancer.

Diagnosis of vaginal cancer:
Examination of the vagina with a colposcope = colposcopic examination.
Removal of a piece from the vagina to be sent for pathological examination.

Staging:
After the diagnosis of vaginal cancer is made, staging is performed to evaluate the treatment and prognosis of the disease. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) can be performed.

According to this;
Stage I: The cancer is limited to the vagina.
Stage II: The cancer has spread to the organs adjacent to the vagina.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or pelvic organs.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes, nearby organs or distant organs.

Vaginal Cancer Treatment:
Surgical. Depending on the size of the tumor, methods such as removing only the part, removing the entire vagina, or removing most of the organs in the pelvis are applied.

Radiotherapy. Many side effects can be seen due to its effect on healthy tissues adjacent to the vagina.
Chemotherapy. It is used in cases where surgery and chemotherapy do not help.

Protection from Vaginal Cancer:
There is no sure way to prevent vaginal cancer. But to reduce your risk, you can:
Going for regular vaginal exams and getting a Pap test.
Getting vaccinated against HPV.
Quit smoking.