women s health issues
Vaginal Cancer
Treatment of Vaginal Cancer
For early-stage vaginal cancers, surgery to remove the vagina, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes and sometimes radiation therapy For most other vaginal cancers, radiation therapy Treatment of vaginal cancer also depends on the stage. For early-stage vaginal cancers, surgery to remove the vagina, uterus, and lymph nodes in the pelvis and the upper part of the vagina is the treatment of choice. Sometimes radiation therapy is used after the surgery. Radiation therapy is used for most other vaginal cancers. It is usually a combination of internal radiation therapy (using radioactive implants placed inside the vagina, called brachytherapy) and external radiation therapy (directed at the pelvis from outside the body). Radiation therapy cannot be used if fistulas have developed. In such cases, some or all of the organs in the pelvis are removed (called pelvic exenteration). These organs include the reproductive organs (vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries), bladder, urethra, rectum, and anus. Which organs are removed and whether all are removed depend on many factors, such as the cancer's location, the woman's anatomy, and her goals after surgery. Permanent openings—for urine (urostomy) and for stool ( Understanding Colostomy )—are made in the abdomen so that these waste products can leave the body and be collected in bags. After the procedure, women usually have some bleeding, a discharge, and considerable tenderness and pain for a few days. Typically, the hospital stay is 3 to 5 days. Complications, such as infection or opening of the surgical incision, blockages in the intestine, and fistulas, can occur. Sexual intercourse may be difficult or impossible after treatment for vaginal cancer. 