Treat Vaginal Cancer With Proton Therapy
Vaginal cancer is very rare, occurring only in up to 2% of women in the United States. Vaginal cancer occurs in mainly older women, and appears most often as squamous cell carcinoma, beginning in the lining of the vagina. Squamous cells are found in the lining of the vagina, and those that become cancerous are most commonly found in the upper part of the vagina near the cervix. Vaginal cancer develops slowly, first as the cells change abnormally, and could turn into cancer if not treated.
Like vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer is rare, accounting for 6% of all cancers of the female reproductive organs and just 0.7% of all cancers in women in the United States. Vulvar cancer, affecting the outer areas of the female genitals, appears most often as squamous cell carcinoma, and most often develops in older women.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
How Is Vaginal Cancer Treated?
Many cases of low-grade precancerous cells in the vagina are watched by physicians over time. If they maintain or spread as lesions, the cancer is treated with laser surgery or topical therapies. However, if the cancer is invasive in nature, it is often treated with radiation therapy, in a combination of external and internal applications.
When considering radiation, proton therapy is often preferred to treat vaginal cancer. Proton therapy applies a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the diseased area, limiting harm to the vital, healthy tissues surrounding it that are often exposed with traditional photon therapy. In addition, side effects are minimized with proton therapy.
Gynecologic cancers we treat with proton therapy
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Melanoma
- Sarcoma
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every vaginal cancer treatment plan is customized to your unique diagnosis and health needs. We aim to deliver highly targeted care while supporting your comfort and well-being.
Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, you will meet with our expert team, including a radiation oncologist, to review your medical history and determine if proton therapy is right for you. Our radiation oncologists are trained to deliver radiation in a variety of modalities, which means they can discuss all radiation options to ensure you are comfortable with your care plan. If proton therapy is right for you, our billing department will help find out if your insurance covers proton therapy.
CT Simulation and Treatment Planning: We use advanced imaging to map your tumor and design a precise, personalized plan. These scans help us prepare your body position to ensure accurate proton therapy treatment.
Daily Treatment: Proton therapy begins within two weeks of the simulation. These outpatient sessions are typically 30 minutes, five days a week, with most patients returning to daily activities right after. The length of treatment depends on your specific treatment plan but generally lasts three to eight weeks.
Completion: Upon completing your last treatment, you will ring the bell at the “Ring in Hope” wall, a symbol that closes the door on this chapter of life and opens the door to a healthy future.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Monitoring: Within a month of your final treatment, you will come back for a follow-up visit to track your progress. Following that, imaging and regular check-ins help us further track your progress and make any needed adjustments.
