Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the vagina, the muscular tube that links your uterus to the outer genitals. Vaginal cancer most commonly develop in the cells that line the surface of your vagina, also known as the birth canal, says a gynae cancer surgeon in Kolkata.

While cancer can spread from other parts of your body to your vagina, cancer that begins in your vagina (primary vaginal cancer) is uncommon.

 

gynae oncologist

 

Treatment

Your treatment options for vaginal cancer are determined by several factors, including the type of cancer and its stage. You and your doctor work collaboratively to decide which treatments are best for you based on your treatment goals and the side effects you are willing to tolerate. Surgery and radiation are commonly used to treat vaginal cancer.

What to Expect Following Vaginal Cancer Surgery?

Recovery time

Your recovery time will rely on your age, the type of surgery you underwent and your overall health. If only a small amount of tissue is extracted, the wound will heal quickly and you will be able to return home in a day or two. Recovery time will be longer if your lymph nodes are extracted or the surgery is more extensive, says the gynae oncologist in Kolkata.

Having access to pain relief

It is normal to experience pain following the operation, but this can be managed. You will be given pain medication in the form of a tablet, a drip into a vein (intravenously), a drip into the space around your spinal cord (epidural), or a button you press to give yourself a measured amount of pain relief (patient-controlled analgesia or PCA). After you get home, you can continue to take pain relievers as needed.

Bowel problems

Strong pain relievers and prolonged bed rest can make bowel movements difficult to pass (constipation). When having a bowel movement, avoid straining. If laxatives are required, consult with your doctor, says the gynaecologic oncologist in Kolkata.

Stitches

Your doctor will tell you when you will be able to sit up and walk again after the surgery. The stitches in vaginal surgery are all on the inside and will dissolve on their own. You need to sidestep straining with bowel movements or lifting heavy objects.

Vaginal bleeding

Expect some light vaginal bleeding, which should subside in two weeks. Instead of tampons, use a pad.

Infection is a possibility; notify your surgeon or nurse if you notice any fever, redness, pain, swelling, heavy bleeding, wound discharge, or unusual odour, says the gynae cancer surgeon in Kolkata.