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Vaginal Cancer |
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From fear and anxiety to a sense of hopelessness, a vaginal cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we understand the impact this can have, not only on the person who has been diagnosed, but also those close to them. That is why we do everything that we can to ensure that we provide you with all of the information you need to not only understand your treatment options, but to also be active in creating the vaginal cancer treatment program that best fits your needs.
At CTCA we have implemented an integrative approach to cancer treatment that involves combining the most current conventional treatment options with complementary and alternative therapies to help create a plan centered on you and your needs. You have the opportunity to not only meet with an oncologist who specializes in conventional treatment options, but also with a variety of other practitioners specializing in complementary and alternative medicine. Every member of your team will make every effort to understand your unique medical conditions, needs and desires to ensure that a personalized treatment plan can be developed.
If you would like to learn more about our unique, integrative approach to cancer treatment, please call 800-615-3055 and speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They can help provide you with more information about our treatment centers and whether CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you.
Information on Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare kind of cancer that accounts for a very small percentage of all gynecological cancers. Vaginal cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the tissues of the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The vagina is what connects the vulva and the cervix. There are two different types of vaginal cancer, squamous cell vaginal cancer and adenocarcinoma vaginal cancer.
Although both forms of vaginal cancer can affect any age group, they are more prevalent in certain age groups. Squamous cell vaginal cancer is generally found in women who are over the age of 60, while adenocarcinoma vaginal cancer is generally found in women under 30. Despite these trends, both forms of vaginal cancer can strike any age group. That is why it is important that every woman has an annual pelvic exam and pap smear.
Treating Vaginal Cancer
The treatment methods used to treat your specific vaginal cancer depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer and your overall health. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America our approach to treating vaginal cancer involves using a powerful combination of traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy along with complementary and alternative treatment options such as nutrition therapy and pain management, depending on your individual needs. This approach allows us to create individualized, comprehensive treatment plans based around the needs of our patients.
At CTCA you will find the most up-to-date conventional and complementary treatment options available including conventional treatments such as Fractionated Dose Chemotherapy and External Beam Radiation. Fractionated Dose Chemotherapy takes a traditional chemotherapy treatment and divides it into smaller doses which are administered over the course of several days. CTCA has found this approach to not only be successful in exposing cancer cells to the drugs, but it also helps to reduce the unpleasant side effects often experienced with larger doses.
External Beam Radiation is a form of radiation therapy, one of the primary forms of conventional vaginal cancer treatments offered at CTCA. External Beam Radiation therapy treats vaginal cancer by directing a radiation beam on the cancerous organ and/or the tissue within the patient's body from outside your body. It is generally completed over the course of six to eight weeks. This type of therapy poses no risk of radioactivity to you or your loved ones, so you may continue normal activities.
Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer
There are a number of potential symptoms that may be associated with vaginal cancer. These symptoms can range from vaginal bleeding and pain after intercourse to a mass that can be felt. Symptoms such as constipation, pelvic pain, and painful urination do not usually occur until the vaginal cancer has advanced in stage. These potential vaginal cancer symptoms can also point to other various medical conditions, so please understand that only a detailed examination and test facilitated by your health care provider can tell you for sure if your symptoms are the result of vaginal cancer or another condition.
Stages of Vaginal Cancer
One of the most important factors in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for your vaginal cancer is the stage of the disease. Vaginal cancer is broken down into stages and uses Roman numerals to represent the different stages. As the numerals increase, so does the severity of the vaginal cancer. The stages of vaginal cancer are:
- Stage 0: Cancer cells are limited to the epithelium of the vagina and have not spread to other layers of the vagina.
- Stage I: In this stage, the vaginal cancer has invaded the epithelium but is still confined to the vaginal mucosa.
- Stage II: The cancer has spread to the connective tissues next to the vagina but has not spread to the wall of the pelvis, to other organs, or to lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer extends to the wall of the pelvis and it may have spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage IV-A: Cancer has spread to organs next to the vagina (such as the bladder or rectum) and it may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage IV-B: Cancer has spread to distant organs (lungs for example).
CTCA Vaginal Cancer Treatment Facilities
The doctors and caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America know how emotionally devastating vaginal cancer can be. It is a difficult time for those diagnosed and also to their family and friends. In addition to the therapy described above, CTCA enriches your treatment by offering complementary and alternative therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement and spiritual counseling.
If you are looking for vaginal cancer treatment delivered by a caring supportive staff, in a welcoming environment designed to help you relax and focus on your healing, Cancer Treatment Centers of America may be exactly what you are looking for. Call 800-615-3055 today and speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists about CTCA and your treatment options. They are available anytime to discuss your options and help you decide if CTCA could be the right treatment facility for you.
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