| Abstract: | Prior to 1971, adenosis and primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina were unusual entities. Since then, a marked increase in both processes has occurred, felt to be related to maternal ingestion of Diethylstibestrol (DES) and other estrogenic compounds during the first trimester, with subsequent abnormalities in female off-spring. To date, there are over 170 cases of adenocarcinoma reported, and there may be as many as one million patients with adenosis. Treatment of benign adenosis is somewhat of a controversy but adenocarcinoma is treated with surgery, radiation or a combination thereof, depending upon the specifics of the patients. Four patients are presented, one treated surgically and three with radiotherapy, all with complete remission over one to two years. It behooves all physicians caring for young women to be aware of these disease processes for the maximum therapeutic benefit to be achieved. |
