vaginal cancer [va-gi-nal can-cer] Cancer of the vagina is uncommon. It is more common in women whose mothers took the drug diethylstilboestrol (DES) during pregnancy. Treatment is usually surgery, sometimes combined with radiotherapy (often using radioactive implants ). If the vagina needs to be removed surgically, it may be possible to have it reconstructed by plastic surgery : see reconstructive surgery.

venous access device [ve-nous] see intravenous access device

vocal cords see larynx

voice box see larynx .

white blood cells One of the two main types of cell present in blood . There are three major groups of mature white blood cells: granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Granulocytes and monocytes are formed in the bone marrow (myeloid tissue), and lymphocytes are formed in the lymph nodes. The white blood cells play a major role in defending the body against infection. Also known as leucocytes : see blood cells .

Wilm's tumour A rare cancer that affects children. It can arise anywhere in the kidney and can spread to the bowel and liver. It is one of the most curable of childhood cancers.

womb see uterus