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Vaginal Cancer
See Also:
Vaginal Cancer:
Introduction & Overview
Vaginal Cancer: Types
Vaginal
Cancer: Causes & Risk Factors
Vaginal
Cancer: Signs & Symptoms
Vaginal Cancer:
Stages
Vaginal
Cancer: Medical Tests & Diagnosis
Vaginal
Cancer: Treatment Options
Vaginal Cancer:
Prevention Tips
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of the vaginal cancer are not known
yet. However, the scientists were able to establish a
specific connection between the disease and certain
risks.
These risk factors include:
Age: Women at the age of 30 or younger, or 60
and older are at risk to develop vaginal cancer.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk
for vaginal cancer.
Infections with different viruses, such as:
-
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Human
papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases,
and can be caused by the infection with one of the 100 viruses included
in the HPV group. Different HPVs causes different types of warts
to develop on different areas of the body. However, certain types
of HPV are associated with vaginal cancer. In order to avoid contamination
with this virus, women should avoid promiscuous sexual behaviors
(to limit the number of sex partners, to avoid having sexual relationships
at younger ages, and to use protection).
HIV infection: HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus) that causes AIDS can also
increase the risk for vaginal cancer.
Medical conditions, such as:
-
Propalse: This is a medical condition where
the uterus sags into the vagina and even extends outside the vagina
because of the pelvic ligaments stretching. This condition can be
treated by surgery or by wearing a pessary (a medical device
that keeps the uterus in place). However, certain studies suggest
that a long term irritation caused by the pessary may slightly increase
the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. However, studies conducted
on this aspect have not conclusively proven that the pessary causes
vaginal cancer.
Vaginal adenosis: This is
a medical condition where the vagina walls lining
(in one or more areas) contains cells that are
similar with those found in the lower uterus or
upper uterine lining glands. This condition is
diagnosed in 40 percent of the women that already
have menstruation.
Cervical cancer: Suffering
from cervical cancer or cervical pre-cancerous
condition increases the risk of developing
vaginal cancer.
Prior Medical Treatments
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): This
is a drug prescribed between 1940 and 1971 for
women that suffered miscarriages. About 1 in
1,000 women whose mothers were treated with this
drug had developed clear cell carcinoma of the
vagina or cervix. However, this risk seems to be
higher in those women whose mothers took the drug
during their first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Radiotherapy: Women that
undergo radiotherapy in the past for other types
of gynecological cancer are at risk of developing
vaginal cancer. However, this risk is far
smaller, than the risk of not following the
treatment for the past cancer.
Hysterectomy: Women who
suffered a hysterectomy (a medical procedure
where part or the entire uterus is removed) in
the past are at risk of developing vaginal
cancer.
See Also:
Vaginal Cancer:
Introduction & Overview
Vaginal Cancer: Types
Vaginal
Cancer: Causes & Risk Factors
Vaginal
Cancer: Signs & Symptoms
Vaginal Cancer:
Stages
Vaginal
Cancer: Medical Tests & Diagnosis
Vaginal
Cancer: Treatment Options
Vaginal Cancer:
Prevention Tips

Article by Alina Morrow, MA
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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