Staging
Staging is a process that tells a doctor if the cancer has spread, and if it has, how far. Staging for vaginal cancer depends on the size and location of the original tumor and whether the cancer has invaded nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Staging is an important part of evaluating prognosis and treatment options.
Stage 0
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Description
- "Carcinoma in situ." Cancer cells found only in the top layer of tissue lining the vagina, and have not invaded deeper layers of tissue. This is not cancer, just “pre-cancer” or VAIN III.
Treatment
- Watchful waiting, laser surgery, topical therapy, wide excision, partial or total vaginectomy, internal radiation therapy.
Stage I
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Description
- Cancer is confined to the vagina.
Treatment
- Internal radiation therapy, external radiation therapy, wide excision, vaginectomy, hysterectomy. Surgical procedures may be followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.
Stage II
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Description
- Cancer has grown through the wall of the vagina and invaded nearby tissues, but has not grown to the pelvic wall.
Treatment
- Internal/external radiation therapy, vaginectomy.
Stage III
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Description
- Cancer has grown into the pelvic wall and/or has blocked the flow of urine (hydronephrosis) which is causing the kidneys to not work.
Treatment
- Internal/external radiation therapy. In rare cases, surgery may be attempted and may be followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.
Stage IVa
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Description
- Cancer has invaded the bladder or rectum and/or grown beyond the pelvis.
Treatment
- Internal and external radiation therapy. In rare cases, surgery may be attempted and may be followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.
Stage IVb
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Description
- Cancer has invaded distant organs and/or other areas of the body.
Treatment
- Cancer cannot be cured at this stage. Palliative radiation therapy to relieve symptoms. Clinical trials. Standard chemotherapy would also be considered.
