Clinical Characteristics of Non–Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vagina

Abstract

Despite the absence of in utero diethylstilbestrol exposure in our cases, clear cell adenocarcinoma accounted for 41.7% (5/12) cases. A favorable local control rate was achieved in all 12 cases, but the incidence of distant metastasis, especially to the lung, was high. Prevention of distant metastasis may be the key to treating patients with non-SCC of the vagina.

Poorly differentiated vaginal adenocarcinoma with aggressive behavior—Pap smear findings

“…These results agreed with what has already been observed by others in which the most common location of the tumor has been shown to be the upper one third of the vagina (56%). 3 The cytological findings of small cells with round hypercromatic nuclei and high nuclei-cytoplasmatic ratio were described by Yan et al…”

“…Most of the reported cases are of adenocarcinoma, mainly of the intestinal type, that may or may not be associated with in utero DES use. 3 The cytological findings of small cells with round hypercromatic nuclei and high nuclei-cytoplasmatic ratio were described by Yan et al 9 Rajaram et al considered that non-DESassociated cancers are currently described more frequently due to decreasing DES use during pregnancy.…”

“…1 Most cases of vaginal cancer are actually metastases from another primary site, especially the cervix/endometrium or ovary, colon, breast, or pancreas. 3 Vaginal cancer not associated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) occurs more frequently in postmenopausal women, whereas the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers is increasing in younger women. 3 Vaginal cancer not associated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) occurs more frequently in postmenopausal women, whereas the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers is increasing in younger women.…”

“…2 In a retrospective study done by Nomura et al, which aimed to identify nonsquamous cell vaginal carcinoma between 1990 and 2013 in Tokyo (Japan), 12 cases (five clear cell carcinoma, three adenocarcinoma, two adenosquamous carcinoma, one carcinosarcoma, and one mucinous adenocarcinoma) were found. 3 Vaginal cancer not associated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) occurs more frequently in postmenopausal women, whereas the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers is increasing in younger women. 4 In a previous study in the United States, about three fourths of vaginal cancer cases included prior HPV detection.…”

Retrospective evaluation of clinical and pathological features, as well as diagnostic and treatment protocols of primary vaginal malignancy

“…Melanoma, sarcoma, and adenocarcinoma have been described in primary cancers as well. Sarcomas sometimes occur after radiotherapy for cervical cancer [8,9]. If cervical and vaginal involvement is detected together, it is assumed to be primary cervical carcinoma, whereas if vulvar and vaginal involvement is determined together, the cancer is assumed to be primary vulvar malignancy.…”