| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Vaginal tumors |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Vaginal cancer; Cancer - vagina; Tumor - vaginal |
| Treatment: |
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Treatment of vaginal cancer is individualized for each patient, and depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, the area of vagina involved, and the age and health of the patient. Surgery is sometimes used to remove the cancer, but most patients are treated with radiation. If the tumor is actually cervical cancer extending into the vagina, then radiation is given with chemotherapy at the same time. Sarcoma botryoides may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. |
| Support Groups: |
| The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. These support groups can be found by searching the Internet or contacting the American Cancer Society. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The prognosis of vaginal cancer depends largely on the stage of disease and the type of tumor. The overall 5-year survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma is about 42%. The overall 5-year survival rate for patients with adenocarcinoma is about 78%. |
| Complications: |
| Vaginal cancer may spread to other areas of the body. Other complications include complications of radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
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Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice bleeding after intercourse or have persistent vaginal bleeding or discharge. |
Female reproductive anatomy |
Uterus |
Normal uterine anatomy (cut section) |
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