Vaginal cancer is an abnormal growth of malignant cells (neoplasm, tumor) in the vagina. The vagina itself, sometimes referred to as the "birth canal", is a 3 - 4 inch hollow tube that runs from the vulva (outside genitalia) up to the cervix (the lower part of the uterus, or womb).
The Abramson Cancer Center hosts a wide range of materials and activities that provide education and support to address key areas of concern for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are proud that many of our innovative patient education programs have been recognized by national groups, including the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Patient Education Network.
Our educational materials and support activities help people deal with the physical and emotional consequences of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also assist patients and families to resume active lives after treatment.
Our support group meetings provide information on topics of ... read more Support
Different treatments are available for those with vaginal cancer. Some treatments are called standard. This means they are the currently used treatments. Some treatments are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments.
When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. You may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment, while others are available during or after treatment.
Treatment options vary depending on your situation including the stage of the cancer and other factors that may be... read more Treatment
Tracey Reiser is a naturally upbeat woman and happily married to Tom for 32 years. They moved to New Hope a few years ago, but they still regularly travel back to California to visit their five adult children. So, it came as a shock when she was diagnosed in 2003 with an inoperable tumor of an "unknown primary." Tom remained by her side every second as she went through treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center, where she "felt so cared for.î It was on a return checkup in January 2005 that Tracey was told the cancer had returned. Around this time, she opened her door early one morning to find her stepson had taken a red-eye flight from San Francisco to surprise her with a huge armful of tulips. Tracey felt "supported and lovedî from all of her family throughout her care and today, scans reveal the tumor is essentially undetectable.
Watch the Focus On Gynecologic Cancers Conference Get information on the latest advances in gynecologic cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues.
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