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Prevention and treatment of vaginal stenosis resulting from pelvic radiation therapy
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Pelvic radiation therapy is an integral part of treatment for both cervical and colorectal cancer. Fortunately, many women treated for these cancers are cured. Unfortunately, as a consequence of therapy, as many as 88% of those treated for cervical cancer and other gynecologic malignancies develop vaginal stenosis, which can result in long-term sexual dysfunction. The number of women who develop vaginal stenosis following treatment for colorectal cancer is not well reported. Although there is no definitive treatment or preventive, several measures are available to counter this toxicity. An open and honest dialogue between healthcare providers and patients is vital.
| Commun Oncol 2006;3:665–671 | full text |  146 kb |