Treatments for vaginal cancer
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Your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. The plan is based on your health and specific information about the cancer. What you want is also important when planning treatment. When deciding which treatments to offer for vaginal cancer, your healthcare team will consider:
- the stage of the tumour
- the location of the tumour
- the type of tumour
- the size of the tumour
- your overall health
- whether you have had previous surgeries or radiation therapy to the pelvis
- whether you want to become pregnant in the future
Radiation therapy or chemoradiation is the most common treatment used for vaginal cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy may also be used. Your healthcare team will include a multidisciplinary team. This may include gynecologists, gynecological oncologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. Other support staff may also be available, such as nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and counsellors.
Treatments for stage 1 vaginal cancer
Stage 1 vaginal cancer can be treated with radiation therapy and surgery.
Treatments for stage 2 vaginal cancer
Stage 2 vaginal cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
Treatments for stage 3 and stage 4A vaginal cancer
Stage 3 and stage 4A vaginal cancer can be treated with radiation therapy and surgery.
Treatments for stage 4B vaginal cancer
Stage 4B vaginal cancer may be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Treatment of recurrent vaginal cancer
Recurrent vaginal cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Radiation therapy for vaginal cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is used to treat vaginal cancer.
Surgery for vaginal cancer
Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. Vaginal cancer is sometimes treated with surgery.
Chemotherapy for vaginal cancer
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Vaginal cancer is sometimes treated with chemotherapy.
Follow-up after treatment for vaginal cancer
Follow-up is an important part of care for vaginal cancer. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.