PRIMARY VAGINAL CANCER. RETROSPECTIVE STUDY PERFORMED ON A GROUP OF 23 PATIENTS
Abstract
Vaginal cancer is caused by the uncontrolled development of malignant cells in the vagina. Vaginal tumors constitute 1-3% of all primary tumors of the female genital area, predominantly affects postmenopausal women. Symptomatology is nonspecific and occurs most of the time when the tumor has an advanced invasion degree. The most common location of vaginal cancers is in the upper third of the vagina and the most commonly encountered histopathological type is squamous cell carcinoma. It is assumed that the etiology of vaginal cancer is similar to the cervical cancer etiology, the most important factors being HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), DES consumption (diethylstilbestrol), early onset of sexual life and cervical cancer.