Incidental diagnosis of primary vaginal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type: a case report and review of the literature

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2007 Oct;26(4):490-3. doi: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e318047ffe5.

Abstract

Primary vaginal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type is a rare malignant gynecologic disease. A 53-year-old woman was admitted to our institution with a diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. A physical examination revealed a 2-cm polypoid lesion of the vagina. The patient underwent surgery for endometrial cancer and wedge resection of the vaginal lesion. The diagnosis of primary vaginal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type was obtained after standard and immunohistochemical analyses of the specimen. No endometrial cancer was detected in the specimen. Radiological investigations excluded metastasis from the gastrointestinal tract. Subsequently, the patient underwent concomitant chemoradiation. At present, 32 months later, she is well and disease-free. Extensive radiological investigations and careful immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen are needed for a correct diagnosis of vaginal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type. Concomitant chemoradiation, as a primary treatment, should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Incidental Findings
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiotherapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin