Adenoid basal carcinoma of the vagina

Abstract

Moore DH, Michael H, Furlin JJ, Von Stein A. Adenoid basal carcinoma of the vagina. Int J Gynecol Cancer 1998; 8: 261–263. Adenoid basal carcinomas of the cervix, although rare, have been described. We report a rare case of adenoid basal carcinoma of the vagina. A 64-year-old patient with persistent ASCUS on cytologic screening was found to have a 2.5-cm lesion protruding from the right vaginal sidewall. LEEP excision was performed. A second 0.5-cm lesion distal to the primary tumor site was subsequently excised by LEEP. Both specimens were determined to be adenoid basal carcinomas of the vagina. The patient is presently without evidence for recurrent cancer 33 months after primary tumor resection. This case demonstrates pathologic and clinical similarities to adenoid basal carcinoma of the cervix. Adenoid basal carcinomas are less aggressive than adenocarcinomas or adenoid cystic carcinomas of the cervix and have been adequately treated with nonradical surgery such as conization, trachelectomy, or total abdominal hysterectomy. Our experience suggests that adenoid basal carcinoma of the vagina also may be treated with conservative surgical excision without need for radical vaginectomy or radiation therapy.