DIAGNOSIS OF VAGINAL CANCER: FROM SPECULUM EXAMINATION TO HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CONFIRMATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n2-124Keywords:
Vaginal Cancer, Diagnosis, Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN), HPV, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Staging, Magnetic Resonance ImagingAbstract
Vaginal cancer is a rare malignant neoplasm, accounting for approximately 1% to 2% of gynecological tumors. It is associated with postmenopausal women or younger women infected with HPV, and its diagnosis is usually late due to the nonspecificity of initial symptoms. This study was conducted to synthesize information on the subject and analyze current diagnostic methods for this type of tumor, in order to promote prevention and early detection. This is a qualitative, narrative literature review. Data were systematically collected from databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, in addition to manual searches of the references of selected articles. The results showed that the diagnosis of vaginal cancer is initially made through clinical suspicion and speculum examination, later confirmed by biopsy, with a predominance of squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging is essential for staging, while PET/CT helps in the detection of metastases. Therefore, up-to-date knowledge about the clinical and laboratory diagnostic process allows for better treatment planning and improved prognosis.
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References
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