Câncer de vagina – aspectos clínicos e tratamento

Manoel Afonso Guimarães Gonçalves; Rafaela Marques Gasperin Schramm; Fernando Gesteira Campos de Pinho

doi:10.5327/2237-4574-2024820018

Authors

Manoel Afonso Guimarães Gonçalves Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5733-3231
Rafaela Marques Gasperin Schramm Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6394-6609
Fernando Gesteira Campos de Pinho Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul – Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7753-6423

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/2237-4574-2024820018

Keywords:

cancer, vagina, treatment

Abstract

Vaginal cancer may be primary, originating in the vaginal epithelium, or secondary, due to metastases from other organs.
The primary form is rare, with most vaginal neoplasms being metastatic, especially from the uterus, vulva, and ovaries. The most
common type is squamous cell carcinoma, with risk factors similar to cervical cancer, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
infection, smoking, and multiple sexual partners. Diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific early symptoms, such as abnormal
vaginal bleeding and discharge, and is confirmed by biopsy. The cancer is classified using the International Federation of
Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system, ranging from stage I (tumor confined to the vagina) to stage IV (metastases).
Treatment depends on the stage, with options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis is better in
the early stages, with a 5-year survival rate of over 80%. Primary prevention through HPV vaccination is the most effective
strategy to prevent vaginal cancer.