General Considerations
Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) can occur as an isolated lesion, but multifocal disease is more common. Although little is known regarding the natural history of VAIN, it is thought…

Malignant melanomas of the vagina are rare; they constitute fewer than 1% of all melanomas occurring in females. The age distribution of the neoplasm has ranged from 26 to 98 years, with a median age…

Endodermal sinus tumor is a rare germ cell malignancy that is usually found in the ovary. This tumor secretes alpha-fetoprotein, which often is a useful tumor marker for monitoring patients with…

Clear cell adenocarcinomas have been seen more frequently in young women since 1970 because of the association with intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol. Three predominant histologic patterns are found with clear cell…

Premalignant disease of the vagina is generally detected on cytologic screening. Once an abnormal cytology is obtained, a biopsy directed by colposcopic examination is required to verify the severity of the changes. Because vaginal…

Primary vaginal cancers are rare, constituting less than 2% of all gynecologic malignancies. Carcinoma of the vagina is defined as a primary carcinoma arising in the vagina and not involving the external os…

Squamous cell carcinomas of the vagina may appear grossly as either ulcerated or fungating tumors, or they may be exophytic and protrude through the vaginal canal. They are the most common vaginal…