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Updated: May 17, 2026
09:10
Intestinal Epithelial Regeneration in Response to Ionizing Irradiation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Radiation-induced morphological changes in the vagina
K Kirchheiner1, E Fidarova, R A Nout
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. kathrin.kirchheiner@meduniwien.ac.at
Summary
Vaginoscopy effectively identifies and classifies chronic vaginal changes following cervical cancer radio(chemo)therapy. This method offers detailed, reproducible documentation of treatment-induced morphological alterations.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chronic vaginal changes are a distressing side effect of radio(chemo)therapy for cervical cancer.
- Existing radiation morbidity scales lack conciseness in reporting these vaginal changes.
- These changes significantly impact patients' quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and qualitatively describe morphological changes in the vagina post-definitive radio(chemo)therapy.
- To establish a classification system for detailed and reproducible documentation of these changes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective vaginoscopy with photodocumentation in 22 locally advanced cervical cancer patients.
- Assessment conducted 3-24 months post-treatment in patients with complete remission and no severe extra-vaginal morbidity.
Main Results:
- Five consistent morphological parameters identified: mucosal pallor, telangiectasia, fragility, ulceration, and adhesions/occlusion.
- A comprehensive descriptive and semiquantitative scoring system was developed.
- A photographic atlas illustrating these morphological alterations is provided.
Conclusions:
- Vaginoscopy is a well-tolerated, informative procedure for assessing vaginal changes after radio(chemo)therapy.
- It allows for objective, detailed, and precise classification of the severity of individual changes.
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