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Download from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vaginal-cancer-linked-to-human/id431848216... Vaginal cancer is rare, with 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Along with cervix and vulvar cancers, the most common cause of vaginal cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Charles Levenback, M.D., and Anuja Jhingran, M.D., both professors in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discuss the basics, diagnoses, and treatment for vaginal cancer.

The vagina, a tube-shaped area, is attached to the lower region of the uterus called the cervix and the vulva. It consists of a series of folds or tissue that open and widely during the birth of a child or during sex. The cells of the vagina, under normal circumstances they multiply and form more cells.

If this process is hindered, there is an abnormal multiplication and growth of cells that give rise to a tumor. This tumor, or may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If the tumor is cancerous, it can attack and cause damage to adjacent organs and tissues in the body.

Vaginal cancer is very common and occurs mainly in women who have crossed the age of 50 years. In most cases, is not the primary vaginal cancer develops, but the cancer is secondary infection, where cancer cells have migrated and invaded the vagina from other parts of the body such as the vulva or cervix.

What are the symptoms of vaginal cancer? The symptoms of vaginal cancer include pain or difficulty with urination, discharge or bleeding that has nothing to do with menstruation, painful intercourse and pain in the pelvic region. Some other symptoms of vaginal cancer include vaginal discharge, change of bowel movements, and a vaginal mass. In some cases noticeable signs of vaginal cancer are not in the initial stages and only appear once the disease progresses. As a result, there is a delay in diagnosis, which in turn, results in delayed treatment.

So what causes vaginal cancer? The exact reason for the cause of vaginal cancer and why some women get vaginal cancer and others do not know. There are certain "risk factors" that increase a woman's risk of developing cancer of the vagina. The causes of vaginal cancer are age and exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth. Women are affected with HPV or human papilloma virus are also at increased risk of vaginal cancer. People who are HIV positive are also at higher risk of developing vaginal cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina: This cancer is more common. These cancer cells accumulate in the epithelium and the cancer starts in the region near the cervix. The development of vaginal squamous cell carcinoma is slow, and there are changes known as VAIN (vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia) that precede the development of this type of vaginal cancer. VAIN early detection enables the patient to be treated quickly.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts in adenocarcinoma cells or glands found in the lining of the vagina. Detection of vaginal adenocarcinoma is often quite difficult, because the canal is home to these cells.

Malignant melanoma: This type of cancer develops in pigment-producing cells of skin. This cancer is very rare and is found mainly in women who have crossed the age of 50 years. The bottom of the vagina is affected by this cancer.

Sarcomas: This type of cancer is found in the tissues that connect the structure of the body such as cartilage, muscle, fat and bone. This type of vaginal cancer is very rare and grows inside the walls of the vagina. Leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma are the three types of vaginal sarcomas found.

small cell or oat cell cancer vaginal Again, this is a very rare type of cancer. The shape of these cells when viewed under a microscope is very similar to that of barley.

How is vaginal cancer diagnosed? Vaginal cancer can be diagnosed with the help of a number of tools. Some of the tools used are

Patients suffering from vaginal cancer have several treatment options. Some of these treatments are standard and currently in use, while some treatments are at the level of clinical trials. If diagnosed early, vaginal cancer can be treated effectively. Generally, the treatment varies from person to person and is based on several factors such as general health and age and size and location of the tumor. Treatment also depends on whether the cancer is a recurring problem or has been diagnosed recently. The stage where the cancer has grown also determines the type of treatment required.

Cancer Treatment Vaginal usually involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With the help of surgery, cancerous tissue are removed. cancer surgery within the vagina may include laser surgery, vaginectomy, radical hysterectomy or local resection (wide). In the case of radiation, the rays are used to destroy cancer cells. In chemotherapy, drugs used to kill cells.

Although you can not completely prevent vaginal cancer, a number of approaches that can reduce your chances of developing this cancer. Be sure to avoid things that put you at greater risk of vaginal cancer. As mentioned above, people infected with HPV have a higher risk. This group of viruses are sexually transmitted. Your chances of contracting this infection can be reduced and controlled to be sexually responsible. delayed sexual intercourse and fewer sexual partners are free of HPV that are possible ways you can minimize the chances of vaginal cancer. Smoking is another risk factor for vaginal cancer is under control and can be avoided.

Going in for a routine test is another option that helps prevent cancer. If any type of pre-cancerous changes are detected early, can be treated before cancer development. As mentioned above, the Pap test is used in the detection and prevention of cervical cancer.