HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologycervical cancerCan a female of 21 years old get vaginal cancer?

How common is it for a 21 year old to have vaginal cancer?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At May 15, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have gotten my HPV shot. I do not smoke. I am a virgin and practice good genital hygiene. But my vaginal area is very sensitive to soap, and it feels a little bumpy. But, I am not showing any signs of vaginal cancer like pelvic pain or unusual bleeding. Could it be due to some soap allergy? How common is it for a person who is 21 years old to have vaginal cancer?

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please do not think of such rare conditions for small symptoms. Basically, cancer or dysplasia has a genetic background. In the case of a few cancers like cervical and vaginal cancers, it is due to HPV infections (human papillomavirus). Also, in oral or lung where smoking is a cause due to repeated injury by the tar. A common thing to note is, be it infection or tar, it causes repeated damage to healthy tissue. This injury heals before it heals. The next injury comes, and so it goes on till the healing is replaced by cells that are abnormal, which takes many years. Once these abnormal cells come on, they keep dividing into abnormal cells. After many years, these cells dominate to form cancer. In female genital cancer, the commonest is uterine, next ovarian, next cervical, then fallopian tubes, and the rarest is vaginal. Since it is due to HPV infection, it is seen in those with sex exposure at a young age with compounding sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, multiple sex partners, or repeated injury to the vagina. The best part is it has no symptoms. The cases will present with a lot of foul-smelling brownish or bloody discharge, usually around the 50s to 60s, as cancer cells take so many years to reach such a stage to be detected.

From your history, I do not see even a single risk factor other than that you have a vagina. Simple causes I can think of are skin allergies to soap or oils, shaving blades, tampons or pads, or cosmetics. Just keep the area clean and use soft baby soaps and lotions. If you have a urinary infection, too, then similar symptoms appear. The only problem I see is your weight. Your expected weight is 115 to 125 lbs. To reduce weight, please do not fast. Say no to junk food, fast foods, and red meat, and reduce snacks in between meals. Have low calories food and high proteins. Do regular exercise (especially for the waist and hip area), aerobics, yoga, brisk walking (swing your hands well) and try to reduce 4 to 8 lbs per month. Do not hurry on weight reduction as it will be difficult to maintain. As soon as you reduce at least 11 lbs, you will see changes. The bumpy feel may be fat deposition in the body or due to your over-anxiety.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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