Vaginal Adenosis: Clinical and Pathological Features With Special Reference to Malignant Change

Abstract

Summary Six cases of vaginal adenosis have been described. In two of them adenocarcinoma of the vagina was present; in one of these clear transition from benign adenosis to carcinoma was evident whilst in the other the association of benign mucous glands with the carcinoma strongly suggests that the latter arose from the former. The first of these patients survived for nine years free from disease and the second died of metastases after 7 years. In a third patient it was thought that early malignant change might be present. Despite the absence of treatment, however, no obvious change has occurred in the lesion over three years and smears have remained negative. The most prominent presenting symptom in the remaining cases was a mucoid vaginal discharge; other important symptoms include dyspareunia and postcoital bleeding. Treatment is discussed.

The development of cervical and vaginal adenosis as a result of diethylstilbestrol exposure in utero

“…In fact, the presence of glands in vaginae were described in women who were born before DES was clinically used, or after the administration of DES to pregnant women was stopped (Plaut, 1940; Sandberg et al, 1965; Sandberg, 1967; Blaikley et al, 1971; Ruffolo et al, 1971; Kurman and Scully, 1974; Robboy et al, 1986; Chattopadhyay et al, 2001; Paczos et al, 2010; Cebesoy et al, 2007; Accetta et al, 2001; Charlton et al, 2001). In utero exposure to other hormones or environmental chemicals may be the cause of non-DES associated adenosis in the cervix and vagina.…”