Introduction

Vaginal cancer is a rare but serious disease that begins in the vaginal tissues. While less common than other cancers, such as breast or lung cancer, vaginal cancer can be equally dangerous if not detected and treated early. Understanding the risk factors, such as age and HPV infection, along with recognizing symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, is crucial for early diagnosis. This blog explores the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures that every woman should be aware of to protect her health.

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the vagina. Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the vagina. Older age and HPV infection are risk factors for vaginal cancer. Symptoms of vaginal cancer include pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Vaginal cancer is dangerous

Vaginal cancer is not as common as breast or lung cancer, but it is just as dangerous. Every woman should definitely be well-educated on the subject, so that she can be aware of the signs she needs to look for.

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

1. Unusual substance

Although this is a common symptom that many women experience, its seriousness should not be ignored. Abnormal discharge can indicate not only vaginal cancer, but also other types of diseases, including cervical cancer, cancer that forms in the organ that connects the uterus and vagina, ovarian cancer, or ovarian cancer. . Although this symptom may be due to less severe causes, it must be considered.

2. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Any bleeding that is not related to your period is considered abnormal and needs to be taken care of. Regardless of your age, if you experience unusual vaginal bleeding, you should consult your doctor and get it checked out. It often occurs after women cross the stage of menopause. This is one of the most common symptoms of vaginal cancer.

3. Pain during intercourse

Experiencing pain during sex should never be ignored. If you experience any kind of discomfort during intercourse with your partner, especially if it is in your pelvic area, keep in mind that this could be a sign of vaginal cancer.

4. Pain in your pelvic area

This is a serious symptom that you may experience in the later stages of vaginal cancer. Usually, this happens when cancer cells start to spread to other parts of your body. If you experience pain or severe pressure in your pelvis or abdomen below your navel, it is best to seek medical help as soon as possible.

5. A lump in your vagina

If you notice an unusual mass in your vagina, it’s important to get it checked out. Although it can be caused by a number of reasons, one of the most dangerous is actually vaginal cancer. Another cause of a lump in your vagina could be a vaginal cyst, which is also worth noting.

6. Changes in urine

Abnormally frequent urination is also considered a common symptom of vaginal cancer. It may also be accompanied by pain or a few drops of blood when urinating frequently. However, there are other, less important causes of changes in urine such as drinking too much caffeinated beverages or increasing fluid intake in general.

7. Changes in bowel function

Along with changes in urination, abnormal bowel movements should also be noticed when it comes to vaginal cancer. As the disease progresses, you may experience chronic constipation, black/tarry stools, and a feeling that the bowels have not completely emptied after going to the bathroom.

8. Pain in the back

Experiencing back pain is a symptom that occurs in the later stages of vaginal cancer, as it begins to spread to other tissues in the body.

9. Swelling

 Leg swelling is also a common symptom of vaginal cancer, according to the Cancer Society.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that the sooner the problem is detected, the sooner you can start treating it.

In some cases, vaginal cancer has no symptoms. In these cases, it may be discovered during a routine pelvic exam.

Prevention of vaginal cancer

While you may not be able to reduce your risk of vaginal cancer to zero, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

Get the HPV vaccine

Take steps to reduce your risk of HPV. This includes using a condom whenever you have any type of sex.

 Quit smoking

If you currently smoke, quit. Smoking is the biggest lifestyle risk factor for vaginal cancer and other cancers.

Conclusion

Vaginal cancer, though rare, poses significant health risks, especially when left undiagnosed. Recognizing the early warning signs and taking preventive measures, such as getting the HPV vaccine and quitting smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing this serious condition. Regular medical check-ups and staying informed about potential symptoms are essential steps in ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life.