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Review

Radiation-induced vaginal stenosis: current perspectives

         

Authors Morris L, Do V, Chard J, Brand AH

Received 30 November 2016

Accepted for publication 8 March 2017

Published 2 May 2017 Volume 2017:9 Pages 273—279

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S106796

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single-blind

Peer reviewer comments 5

Editor who approved publication: Professor Elie Al-Chaer


Lucinda Morris,1 Viet Do,1 Jennifer Chard,1 Alison H Brand2,3

1Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Radiation Oncology Network, Westmead, 2Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 3Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia

Abstract: Treatment of gynecological cancer commonly involves pelvic radiation therapy (RT) and/or brachytherapy. A commonly observed side effect of such treatment is radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS). This review analyzed the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation(s) and assessment and grading of radiation-induced VS. In addition, risk factors, prevention and treatment options and follow-up schedules are also discussed. The limited available literature on many of these aspects suggests that additional studies are required to more precisely determine the best management strategy of this prevalent group after RT.

Keywords: gynecological cancer, radiation therapy, vaginal stenosis, brachytherapy, vaginal dilators

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