Vaginal Cancer Flashcards
Most vaginal cancerous lesions are…
Metastatic from another primary site
Which HPV subtype has been associated with HSIL and Vaginal cancer?
HPV 16
What is the most common histopathological type of vaginal cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
What are risk factors for vaginal cancer?
- HPV 16
- Smoking
- HIV
- Immunosuppression
- Age (normally seen in older population > 60, but increasing prevalence amongst younger women due to increased prevalence of HPV)
- DES daughters
How does immiquimod treat vaginal HSIL?
Immune response modulator
Activates the innate immune response
Subsequently induces pro-inflammatory factors such as interferons
RCT and systematic review have found that it is a safe and effective treatment
What are the management options for vaginal HSIL (VAIN 2 or 3)
- Surgical excision
- CO2 laser vaporisation
- Topical fluorouracil
- Immiquimod
How does vaginal cancer present?
Abnormal bleeding
Odorous discharge
How does vaginal cancer spread?
- Direct extension:
- paravaginal tissue
- parametria
- urethra
- bladder
- rectum
Lymphatic spread:
- upper vagina drains to the pelvic lymph nodes including the obturator, internal iliac and external iliac nodes
- lower vagina drains to the inguinal and femoral nodes (groin nodes)
Haematogenous: lung, liver and bone
What is the best imaging modality to detect nodal disease in vaginal cancer (and cervical cancer)
PET CT
What is the % risk of VAIN-3 progressing to invasive disease?
5-10%
How should LSIL be managed?
Observation and repeat smears and colposcopy especially if non-oncogenic strains of HPV.
What are the benefits and risks of surgical excision of HSIL?
Benefits:
- Histological diagnosis (will detect microinvasion)
- Good for unifocal lesions in upper third of vagina or vault.
- Recurrence rate 18%
Risks:
- Injury to adjacent structures (rectum, bladder)
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginal shortening and stenosis
What are the benefits and risks of CO2 laser vaporisation management of HSIL?
Benefits:
- Good for multi-focal lesions.
- Less morbidity c.f. surgical excision.
Risks:
- No histology; contraindicated if suspicion of cancer.
- Vaginal shortening and stenosis.
- Lower HPV clearance rate c.f. imiquimod.
What are the mode of action, benefits and risks of topical fluorouracil management of HSIL?
MOA: cytotoxic
Benefits:
- No mutilating adverse effects.
- Can treat entire vagina; good for multifocal lesions
- Avoids risks of surgery and anaesthesia
Risks:
- Lower efficacy compared with excision or laser.
- No histology
- Epithelial disruption, discharge, pain and burning; not severe.
What are the mode of action, benefits and risks of imiquimod management of HSIL?
MOA: immune response modulator.
Benefits:
- Similar regression rates to laser.
- Superior HPV clearance >50% c.f. laser
- Avoids risks of surgery and anaesthesia
Risks:
- No histology
- Local burning and soreness; not usually severe enough to stop tx.