Running head: VAGINAL CANCER 1
Vaginal Cancer
Name
Academic Institution
, VAGINAL CANCER 2
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a sporadic form of cancer characterized by the formation of malignant
cancer cells in the vagina (Gauthreaux, Kuan‐Celarier, & Runowicz, 2018). Often, these cells
form on the birth canal. Vaginal cancer can either be adenocarcinoma or squamous cell
carcinoma. The latter type accounts for 85 percent of vaginal cancer cases (Yagi et al., 2017).
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 75 percent of all vaginal cancer cases (Yagi et
al., 2017). Vaginal cancer is so rare that the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2020) states
that approximately 6230 women are diagnosed with the condition in the United States each year.
Out of this figure, around 1450 women die from the disease (American Society of Clinical
Oncology, 2020).
The incidence rates for the cancer vary significantly in the United States with respect to
age group, ethnicity, and race. Often, Hispanic, black, and older women have a higher chance of
getting the disease with a five-year survival rate. If vaginal cancer is diagnosed early enough, it
can be cured. Radiation-based therapy is the most preferred treatment for the condition.
However, even if it is diagnosed late and cannot be cured, treatment is still vital since it can
alleviate the symptoms for a long period.
Etiology and Risk Factors
There are three common causes of vaginal cancer. As aforementioned, HPV is one of
them. This sexually transmitted infection is the leading cause of the condition. The other causes
are previous cervical cancer and in-utero exposure to a medication called diethylstilbestrol
(DES). DES used to be prescribed for the prevention of miscarriages. However, DES is rarely
utilized nowadays. There are certain risk factors associated with vaginal cancer. They include
Vaginal Cancer
Name
Academic Institution
, VAGINAL CANCER 2
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a sporadic form of cancer characterized by the formation of malignant
cancer cells in the vagina (Gauthreaux, Kuan‐Celarier, & Runowicz, 2018). Often, these cells
form on the birth canal. Vaginal cancer can either be adenocarcinoma or squamous cell
carcinoma. The latter type accounts for 85 percent of vaginal cancer cases (Yagi et al., 2017).
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 75 percent of all vaginal cancer cases (Yagi et
al., 2017). Vaginal cancer is so rare that the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2020) states
that approximately 6230 women are diagnosed with the condition in the United States each year.
Out of this figure, around 1450 women die from the disease (American Society of Clinical
Oncology, 2020).
The incidence rates for the cancer vary significantly in the United States with respect to
age group, ethnicity, and race. Often, Hispanic, black, and older women have a higher chance of
getting the disease with a five-year survival rate. If vaginal cancer is diagnosed early enough, it
can be cured. Radiation-based therapy is the most preferred treatment for the condition.
However, even if it is diagnosed late and cannot be cured, treatment is still vital since it can
alleviate the symptoms for a long period.
Etiology and Risk Factors
There are three common causes of vaginal cancer. As aforementioned, HPV is one of
them. This sexually transmitted infection is the leading cause of the condition. The other causes
are previous cervical cancer and in-utero exposure to a medication called diethylstilbestrol
(DES). DES used to be prescribed for the prevention of miscarriages. However, DES is rarely
utilized nowadays. There are certain risk factors associated with vaginal cancer. They include
