Treatment
Treatment of vaginal cancer depends on the type of cancer, and how far the disease has spread.
Surgery is sometimes used to remove the cancer, but most patients are treated with radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to the vagina, then radiation and chemotherapy are both given.
Sarcoma botryoides may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. You can find these support groups by searching the Internet or contacting the American Cancer Society.
Prognosis (Expectations)
How well patients with vaginal cancer do depends on the stage of disease and the specific type of tumor.
Complications
Vaginal cancer may spread to other areas of the body. Complications can occur from radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
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
Review Date : 11/1/2009
Reviewed By : Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
