General treatment information
After the diagnostic tests are done, your cancer care team will recommend a treatment plan. Don't feel rushed about considering your options. If there is anything you do not understand, ask to have it explained again. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer and stage of the disease when it is diagnosed.
Other factors might play a part in choosing the best treatment plan. These could include your age, your overall state of health, whether you plan to have more children, and other personal considerations. Be sure you understand all the risks and side effects of the various therapies before making a decision about treatment.
You may want to get a second opinion. This can provide more information and help you feel confident about the treatment plan you choose. Some insurance companies require a second opinion before they will pay for treatments.
Invasive vaginal cancer is treated mainly with radiation therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy in combination with radiation may be used to treat advanced disease (see the “Chemotherapy” section). Some other treatments are available to treat pre-cancers of the vagina (vaginal epithelial neoplasia, VAIN).
Whenever possible, treatment is given with the goal of completely removing or destroying the cancer. If a cure is not possible, removing or destroying much of the cancer in order to prevent the tumor from growing, spreading, or returning for as long as possible is important. If the cancer has spread widely, the main goal of treatment is palliation (relieving pain, blockage of the urinary or intestinal system, or other symptoms).
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