An intravaginal carcinoma tissue in a patient with ovarian tumor

Abstract

To the Editor, Intravaginal carcinoma tissue appears to be a rare event. The author reports herein an intravaginal foreign body-like carcinoma tissue in a patient with ovarian tumor. A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of abnormal genital bleeding. A colposcopic examination revealed a foreign body-like material in the vagina. It was detached easily from the vagina. Clinical cytology was negative for malignancy. During the pathologic examination, the patient underwent imaging modalities including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which showed a left ovarian tumor. The intravaginal material was submitted to our pathology laboratory. The material measured 6 £ 5 £ 5 mm, and was reddish white and soft. Histologically, it was a carcinoma composed of adenocarcinoma (Fig. 1a) and squamous cell carcinoma (Fig. 1b) elements. The adenocarcinoma element accounted for 60% in area, and the squamous cell carcinoma element 40%. Both elements were admixed, and a gradual transition between them was recognized. The adenocarcinoma element was similar to grade I endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and the squamous element was well diVerentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The gynecologist informed the patient of the presence of carcinoma tissue in the vagina. The patient consulted to another hospital; so the outcome of the patient is unknown for the author. A few possibilities are conceivable. First, the intravaginal carcinoma tissue is a primary adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. However, this possibility is low because the carcinoma tissue loosely attached to the vaginal walls. Second, the carcinoma tissue is primary vaginal endometrioid adenocarcinoma with malignant squamous