Mesonephric (clear cell) carcinoma of the vagina and cervix. A retrospective analysis.

Abstract

This retrospective study analyzes all cases of clear cell adenocarcinoma which were treated by the Mayo Clinic from 1930-1972. 675 cases were identified as primary endocervical adenocarcinoma; 19 cases of primary vaginal adenocarcinoma were also uncovered. 29/675 cervical cases were mesonephric but only 8/29 were born after introduction of diethylstilbestrol (DES). 5/19 vaginal cases were mesonephric but only 2/5 were born after introduction of DES. The mothers of 4 of the 8 mesonephric cervical cases were administered hormones therapy during pregnancy including DES (2) dienestrol and an unknown agent. Of the 5 cases with vaginal mesonephric cancer the 2 who were born after 1939 (DES introduction) were the youngest at the time of diagnosis. Single doses of progesterone and DES seem to be the only hormonal medication received by the mothers. The frequency of mesonephric carcinoma of the vagina and cervix in all age groups has increased since 1960; No case of vaginal mesonephric cancer was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic before 1960.