What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What Is Vaginal Cancer?
Combating cancer starts with being armed with essential information about the disease.
Vaginal cancer occurs in the muscular part of the female genital tract (vagina). The vagina, also known as the birth canal, is a three- to four-inch tube that connects the uterus to the vulva (the outside part of female genitals). The majority of vaginal cancers occur in the cells that line the surface of the vagina. However, while several types of cancer can spread to the vagina from other areas of the body, cancer that starts in the vagina (primary vaginal cancer) is rare.
Vaginal Cancers We Treat at New Hope Unlimited
There two primary types of vaginal cancer include:
Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type of vaginal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 70 percent of cases. These cancers develop in the epithelial cells that line the surface of the vagina.
Adenocarcinoma
15 percent of vaginal cancers are adenocarcinomas. These begin in the gland cells of the vagina an occur most frequently in women over the age of 50. A subtype known as clear-cell adenocarcinoma may develop in younger women whose mothers were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy.
Other types of cancers, including melanomas and sarcomas, can also develop in the vagina. Further, specific cancers may spread to the vagina from their original sites such as carcinoma of the cervix, uterus, rectum, and bladder.
Vaginal Cancer Symptoms
Early vaginal cancer may not reveal itself through symptoms. As it progresses, signs of vaginal cancer may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, for example, after intercourse or menopause
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Painful or frequent urination
- A lump in the vagina
- Pelvic pain, especially during sex
- Fistulas, in later-stage cancer
If you experience one or more of these signs, speak with a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Vaginal Cancer Causes
Medical scientists do not know the exact cause of vaginal cancer. However, several factors may increase a woman's risk. They include:
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a preventive drug against miscarriages
- Vaginal adenosis, a benign abnormality
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Cervical cancer or pre-cancer
- Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing
- Alcohol consumption in excess
It is important to note that not all women with risk factors develop tumors in the vagina, and no woman without risk factors is immune to the disease.
Diagnostic Tests for Vaginal Cancer
After undertaking a physical and medical exam, your doctor may order the following tests to help detect cancer and determine if the malignancy has spread (metastasize):
- Biopsy
- Colposcopy
- Computed axial tomography (CT) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Chest x-ray
- Endoscopic tests, such as:
- Proctosigmoidoscopy
- Cystoscopy
An accurate diagnosis is key to improving your vaginal cancer prognosis and life expectancy.
Receive Comprehensive Vaginal Cancer Treatments
A vaginal cancer diagnosis is life-changing. New Hope Unlimited was founded to help you and your loved ones make a more informed treatment decision. We encourage you to explore this area of medicine to learn more about vaginal cancer and what lies ahead and your treatment options. At New Hope, we take a whole-body approach to health. Click here to know more about our high-level of expertise, which sets us apart from other treatment centers.
Our Approach
Advanced Vaginal Cancer Treatments
Top-Rated Physicians
Personal Care
Patient Satisfaction
Our Top-of-the-Line Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones.
To make our patients feel right at home, each private ward is equipped with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners.
Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use.
Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group comprised of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.
Stories of New Hope
Life-changing tales of our cancer patient survivors.
FAQs
1. What specific treatments does New Hope offer?
Click here to learn about our combination of conventional, alternative, and holistic treatments for cancer of the birth canal.
2. How does New Hope treat vaginal cancer?
Your vaginal cancer treatment will depend on several factors, including:
- The type and stage of cancer you have
- Your age and general disposition
- Your desire to have children
New Hope Unlimited customizes vaginal cancer treatments for your specific needs. Sometimes, two or more treatments are necessary.
