| Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female reproductive anatomy with layers of the vaginal wall shown | |
| Specialty | Oncology, Gynecology |
| Symptoms | irregular vaginal bleeding, lump in the vagina, pain in vaginal area, pain with intercourse, pain with urination, constipation |
| Types | keratinizing, nonkeratinizing, basaloid, warty |
| Risk factors | HPV infection, smoking, early age at first sexual intercourse, multiple sex partners, age over 60 |
| Diagnostic method | pelvic exam, biopsy |
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is a potentially invasive type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. Though uncommonly diagnosed, squamous cell cancer of the vagina (SCCV) is the most common type of vaginal cancer, accounting for 80-90% of cases as well as 2% of all gynecological cancers. SCCV forms in squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. SCCV initially spreads superficially within the vaginal wall and can slowly spread to invade other vaginal tissues. Because of its slow growth, this cancer may cause no symptoms, or it may present with signs like irregular bleeding, pain, or a vaginal mass. This carcinoma can metastasize to the lungs or less frequently to the liver, bone, or other sites. SCCV has many risk factors in common with cervical cancer and is similarly strongly associated with infection with oncogenic strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Diagnosis of SCCV is done by pelvic exam and biopsy of the tissue. Treatment and prognosis will depend on the stage, location, and characteristics of the cancer.[1][2][3]
- ^ "Vaginal Cancer Treatment - NCI". www.cancer.gov. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
- ^ "UpToDate". www.uptodate.com. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
- ^ Gadducci, Angiolo; Fabrini, Maria Grazia; Lanfredini, Nora; Sergiampietri, Claudia (1 March 2015). "Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina: natural history, treatment modalities and prognostic factors". Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 93 (3): 211–224. doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.09.002. ISSN 1040-8428. Retrieved 11 March 2024.