Gynaecology - Vaginal Cancer (Mind Maps)

Question 1

Vaginal Cancer?

What is it?

Answer 1

Uncontrolled differentiation and proliferation of cells lining the vagina:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (most common)
• Adenocarcinoma
• Clear cell adenocarcinoma
• Germ cell tumours (teratomas)
• Melanomas

Risk Factors: (Remember as VAGINA)

V - Viruses (HPV/HIV)

A - Increasing Age

G - General factors (smoking/alcohol)

I - Chronic Irritation from pessary use

N - Neoplasms (eg having cervical cancer inc risk of vaginal squamous cell carcinoma)

A - Vaginal Adenosis

Question 2

Vaginal Cancer?

Symptoms?

Answer 2

• Asymptomatic
• Intermenstrual bleeding
• Post-coital bleeding
• Post-menopausal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Dyspareunia
• General symptoms of malignancy (cachexia etc)

Question 3

Vaginal Cancer?

Investigations?

Answer 3

Bloods:

• FBC, U&E, LFTs, TFTs
• Coloscopy with biopsy

Radiology:

• MRI pelvis

Stage:

• FIGO

Question 4

Vaginal Cancer?

Treatment?

Answer 4

Treatment:

• Depends on FIGO staging

Conservative:

• Patient education
• Lifestyle advice
• Prevention (HPV vac, girls of 12)

Medical:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy

Surgical:

Partial/Radical vaginectomy

Radical vaginectomy and radical hysterectomy

Pelvic exenteration