emätinsyöpä

Emätinsyöpä refers to cancer that originates in the vagina. It is a rare type of gynecological cancer. The most common form of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the vagina. Other less common types include adenocarcinoma, which develops in the glandular cells, and melanoma, which originates in pigment-producing cells.

The primary risk factor for vaginal cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Other risk factors include age, particularly for women over 60, smoking, a history of cervical cancer or precancerous cervical lesions, and exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero. DES was a synthetic estrogen prescribed to some women in the mid-20th century to prevent miscarriage.

Symptoms of vaginal cancer can be subtle and may not appear until the cancer is advanced. These can include unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause. Other symptoms may include a watery vaginal discharge, a lump or mass in the vagina, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain.

Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic examination, during which a doctor may observe abnormal areas in the vagina. A colposcopy, which uses a magnifying instrument to examine the vagina more closely, and a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed for laboratory analysis, are crucial for confirming the diagnosis. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may be used to determine the extent of the cancer.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Options may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is used. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for vaginal cancer.