Primary vaginal mucinous adenocarcinoma of intestinal type, associated with intestinal metaplasia of Skene ducts in a diethylstilbestrol-exposed woman

Am J Clin Pathol. 2015 Nov;144(5):790-5. doi: 10.1309/AJCPVZ0QNLUO7OFE.

Abstract

Objectives: Primary mucinous vaginal adenocarcinoma of intestinal type is an extremely rare malignancy of uncertain histogenesis, which makes for a diagnostic challenge. We report a case and describe the histopathologic features and the unusual immunoprofile of this rare entity.

Methods: We report a case of vaginal mucinous adenocarcinoma of intestinal type in a diethylstilbestrol-exposed woman in which intestinal metaplasia of the Skene duct was found at the time of recurrence.

Results: As the histogenesis of primary vaginal intestinaltype adenocarcinomas remains uncertain, the finding of Skene duct metaplasia in association with invasive adenocarcinoma lends support to the origin of vaginal mucinous adenocarcinomas of intestinal type to be metaplasia, at least in some cases. Such an origin accounts for the unusual immunohistochemical profile, which raises concern for a metastatic adenocarcinoma of gastrointestinal origin.

Conclusions: Recognition of this rare entity is important, particularly to avoid the pitfall of misdiagnosing metastatic disease.

Keywords: Intestinal metaplasia; Skene gland adenocarcinoma; Vaginal adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology*
  • Diethylstilbestrol
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / pathology*
  • Metaplasia / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / metabolism
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Diethylstilbestrol