Vaginal Cancer
Medical Tests & Diagnosis
Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state)
One of the first steps in establishing a cancer diagnosis is a detailed
and complex medical review of the patient's past health problems and general
health state, symptoms, and vaginal cancer risk factors.
Physical Examination
The doctor will conduct a pelvic and rectal examination where organs such
as the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, bladder, and rectum will be checked
for their health state. During the physical examination, the doctor will
also perform a PAP smear.
Imaging Tests
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Proctosigmoidoscopy: This is a medical
procedure highly recommended for patients with a large tumor
or with the tumor located close to the rectum or colon. It
is also used in patients that might suffer from metastasis
(when the cancer has spread to the colon or rectum). This
procedure uses a thin instrument having a tube-like shape
with a camera device attached at one end which allows the
doctor to see parts of the body that cannot be investigated
during a normal physical examination.
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Computed Tomography (CT scan): This imaging
test is similar with an x-ray test, and creates a detailed
cross-sectional image of the body. A CT scan is usually performed
in two steps for a better diagnosis outcome:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast
agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast
agent was administered. In general, this technique is useful
in providing information regarding the size and the exact
location of the tumor, and can show if the cancer has spread
to other organs or areas in the body.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is an
advanced, painless, noninvasive technique that uses radio waves and
strong magnets to reveal a complete image of a targeted area of the
body. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed by the tissues and
then released into a pattern that allows the cancer to be detected
and diagnosed.
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Chest X-ray: An x-ray test uses high energy electromagnetic
radiation to penetrate the body and creates its image on a
film. This is a test not commonly performed in vaginal cancer patients.
It is used if the cancer has spread within the body and the doctor
suspects that cancer has invaded the lungs.
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Cystoscopy: This is a medical procedure where
the doctor examines the bladder and urethra for abnormal tissue with
the help of a cytoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached at the
one end). This is not a common procedure for vaginal cancer patients,
but is performed when the cancer may have spread to the bladder. During
this procedure, the doctor might remove a sample of tissue. This procedure
is highly recommended when the tumor is large or is located in the
front walls of the vagina near the bladder.
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Ureteroscopy: This is a medical procedure used
to examine whether or not the cancer has spread to the ureters. The
instrument used is called ureteroscope which is a thin tube with a
camera device attached to one end.
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Lymphangiogram: This is a procedure similar with
an x-ray, but it focuses on the lymph system. A lymphagiogram uses
a dye agent injected into the lymph vessels in the feet, which travels
throughout the entire lymph system of the body. The x-ray will show
if there is any blockage caused by a cancer invasion. This test is
performed in patients with advanced stages of vaginal cancer.
Biopsy
Biopsy is a medical procedure where a tissue sample is removed from the
tumor or abnormal looking surface of an organ for a microscopic examination.
The biopsy is the most conclusive test for vaginal cancer because it clearly
establishes whether the abnormal tissue is cancerous or not, and what
type of cancer it is. There are two types of biopsies performed in vaginal
cancer patients:
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Excisional biopsy: This is a type of biopsy where
the entire lesion/tumor is removed. The excisional biopsy can be performed
with local or general anesthesia, depending on the tumor size and
location.
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Punch biopsy: During this type of biopsy only
a small amount of abnormal tissue/tumor is removed with a instrument
that looks like a tiny apple corer. This biopsy is usually performed
under local anesthesia.
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Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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