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| As you learn more about human papillomavirus (HPV), it's important to know that certain “high-risk” types can also cause cancer of the vagina, vulva, and anus, and other consequences |
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| In 2006, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates 2,420 new cases of vaginal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and 820 women will die from the disease. What's especially important to note is that most cases of vaginal cancer do not appear suddenly; they develop over a period of many years. Between 80% and 90% of women with vaginal cancer have one or more symptoms: |
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding |
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Abnormal vaginal discharge |
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A mass that can be felt |
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Pain during intercourse |
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| Your doctor may perform a complete physical examination that includes a pelvic exam. If vaginal cancer is diagnosed, there are 2 main treatments—radiation and surgery—which your doctor can explain in detail. |
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| Vulvar cancer is cancer of the outside part of the female genitals around the vagina. The ACS estimates that in 2006, about 3,740 new cases of vulvar cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and about 880 women will die from the disease. The most common symptoms of HPV-related vulvar cancer include: |
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A persistent itch |
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Bumps with a wart-like appearance |
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| Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are the 3 main treatments usually used. |
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| Anal cancer begins in the end of the large intestine, which is known as the anus. Part of the anus is actually outside the body and part is on the inside. Anal cancer can start in either place and can occur in both women and men. Though it's fairly rare, the number of cases are increasing every year. The ACS estimates in 2006 there will be 4,660 new cases of anal cancer in the United States, and 660 people will die from the disease. |
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| Although rare, another health concern caused by certain types of HPV is called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). In the United States, between 10,000 and 25,000 people are living with this condition. |
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| RRP can develop in a child born vaginally to a mother who has the HPV types that cause most genital warts (HPV Types 6 and 11). Very rarely, RRP can turn into cancer because of the presence of a different HPV type (HPV Type 16) found in many cases of cervical cancer. Although adults can develop RRP, it is not clear whether the disease results from sexual contact with a person infected with HPV Types 6 or 11, or represents delayed reactivation of infection acquired at birth. Childhood RRP is more common and more severe than adult-onset disease. |
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| RRP is a disease of the respiratory tract and causes tumor-like lesions to grow on the larynx and, in some cases, in the trachea and lungs. The lesions commonly cause hoarseness, voice loss, and difficulty breathing. Left untreated, these lesions may grow, causing suffocation and death. |
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| There is currently no cure for RRP. Treatment may involve multiple rounds of surgery to remove the lesions. However, the lesions often grow back. |
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| Once you know the facts: tell your friends, tell your family, Tell Someone. |
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Send an eCard to tell someone you care about. |
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