Vaginal Cancer Introduction - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Vaginal Cancer

Introduction & Overview

Vaginal cancer is a rare gynecological cancer where malignant (cancerous) tissue develops within the vagina.

The vagina is a tubular tract which connects the cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus) to the vulva (external genitalia). This elastic muscular canal vary in length between 3 to 4 inch (7,5 to 10 cm) and can stretch (because of its anatomical structure) during sexual intercourse or birth. Also, menstrual fluid leaves the body every month during menstrual period through vagina.

The vaginal walls contain two main layers of tissue. The first layer, called epithelium, lines the vagina’s walls and contains squamous epithelial cells. Beneath this tissue (epithelium), lays the second major layer, called connective tissue layer, which contains connective and involuntary muscle tissue, lymph vessels, and nerves.

Normally, the vaginal cells grow and divide to form new cells, and when they get old, they die, allowing new cells to take their place. When this process is impaired, the cells start to divide and grow abnormally, the old cells do not die when they should, and the result is an abnormal tissue mass or tumor.

There are two types of tumors: benign (term that refers to a non-cancerous mass or growth which is not life threatening, because it does not spread damaging adjacent tissues, structures, and organs) and malignant (term that refers to a cancerous mass or growth which can invade and destroy adjacent tissues and organs inside the body causing death).

Vaginal cancer represents 2 to 3 percent of all female reproductive system cancers. Usually, it tends to be a secondary cancer. This means that cancerous cells migrate and invade the vagina from other organs, such as the cervix or vulva. However, diagnosed in early stages, it can be treated effectively.

Article by Alina Morrow, MA
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com