Can vaginal cancer develop after a hysterectomy?
Yes, vaginal cancer can develop after your hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy can provide relief from certain gynecological conditions, including the treatment of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and abnormal bleeding. But it's crucial to acknowledge that there is a rare but potential risk of developing vaginal cancer after the procedure. This risk primarily depends on the type of hysterectomy and various other factors. Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare cancer. It accounts for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract and a very small portion of cancers overall.
Key Factors Influencing the Risk:
1. Type of hysterectomy: A total hysterectomy is less risky than a partial hysterectomy. Research suggests that the risk of vaginal cancer is higher in women who have undergone radical hysterectomy. It involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina.
2. Underlying risk factors:
- History of HPV infection
- Weak immune system
- Genetic factors
- Smoking
3. Age: Age at the time of your hysterectomy.
How common is vaginal cancer after hysterectomy?
Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, and your risk of developing vaginal cancer after hysterectomy is also low.
But remember that it is not eliminated. Even after a total hysterectomy, you could still develop vaginal cancer. This is because the vagina is a separate organ from the uterus and cervix. And a total hysterectomy would only remove the uterus.
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing vaginal cancer after hysterectomy is about 0.2%. This means that for every 1000 women who have a hysterectomy, about 2 of them will develop vaginal cancer.
A study done in 2023 shows that an estimated 8,470 women in the United States will be diagnosed with vaginal cancer. It will account for 1,740 deaths this year. In 2020, about 17,908 people were diagnosed with vaginal cancer and worldwide, an estimated 7,995 people died with vaginal cancer.
The risk of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy is higher in women who:
- Have HPV infection (Around 75% of vaginal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus)
- Approximately 85% of cases of vaginal cancer occur in women over the age of 40. Nearly half the cases occur in women aged 70 or older.
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a history of vulvar or cervical cancer
- Have had a hysterectomy for non-cancerous tumours
- Have had previous radiation therapy in the vaginal area
- Smoking and alcohol
- Cell mutation
- Have a family history of vaginal cancer
- Precancerous lesions of the vagina
The 5-year survival rate for vaginal cancer is over 90% for women whose cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
Got scared? Don't be.
We have discussed the symptoms. If you have noticed any, talk to the doctor now.
What are the common symptoms of vaginal cancer after a hysterectomy?
Common symptoms of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy:
- Vaginal bleeding / Spotting
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Pelvic discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
- Persistent back pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty in bowel movements
- Changes in urinary habits
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
How is vaginal cancer after a hysterectomy diagnosed?
| Tests | Description |
| Medical History |
|
| Physical Examination | Pelvic examination to check for abnormalities |
| Biopsy | Your tissue sample will be taken for evaluation |
| Imaging tests | Pelvic ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans to check the extent of cancer |
| Blood tests | CBC and tumour markers are checked for cancer indicators. |
| Staging |
|
Contact us today and get advice on your condition from the experts.
Is vaginal cancer after a hysterectomy preventable?
The prevention of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy can be challenging. But there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Regular Check-ups: Continue with your gynecological check-ups even after your hysterectomy. Monitoring vaginal health can help early detection of cancer.
- HPV Vaccination: Get vaccinated if you are within the recommended age range.
- Safe Sex: Practicing safe sex by using proper protection can reduce your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections like HPV.
- Stay informed: Be vigilant about the symptoms of vaginal cancer.
- Family History: If you have a family history of vaginal cancer, then genetic factors could be involved.
- Boost immunity: If you have a weakened immune system, take medicines to treat the underlying cause.
- Post-operative symptoms: Check for uterine bleeding, cervical bleeding, cervix pain after hysterectomy
How is vaginal cancer after a hysterectomy treated?
The treatment of vaginal cancer after hysterectomy is highly individualized. Your treatment options depend on the stage and extent of the cancer:
Surgery: For your localised cancer, additional surgery could remove the cancerous tissue in the vagina or nearby lymph nodes.
- Laser surgery to remove cancer (like LEEP)
- Local excision to cut out cancer
- Vaginectomy to remove part or all of the vagina
- Radiation therapy: Targets and kills the cancer cells in your vaginal area
- Chemotherapy: Destroys or reduces the growth of cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: Specifically targets the cancer cells
- Palliative care: In advanced stages of symptom relief
Schedule your appointment today with the doctor and get personalized treatment.
Can vaginal cancer after a hysterectomy be hereditary?
Here is how your hereditary factors play a role:
Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic mutations or factors may increase susceptibility to vaginal cancer. Indicated when your parent or sibling has had vaginal cancer.
Inherited Syndromes: Some hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, can increase the risk of vaginal cancer.
Shared environmental and lifestyle factors: Families share similar environments and lifestyles, contributing to cancer risk. For example, if you smoke or are exposed to certain types of chemicals.
Family history: Know your family's medical history, including any history of cancer, and discuss it with your oncologist.
Genetic counselling: If there are any known genetic mutations associated with cancer. Then, you will be recommended for genetic counselling and testing.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases
https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access
