
1979 Study Abstract
The incidence of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix associated with intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol DES and similar compounds during the first half of pregnancy has increased. Ninety percent of these cancers have occurred in patients 14 years of age or older.
Although these carcinomas are exceedingly rare, nonneoplastic abnormalities including vaginal adenosis, cervical eversion (ectropion), and transverse cervical and vaginal ridges are frequent in the exposed population, particularly if the drug was administered early in pregnancy. Current evidence favors a disturbance in development of the müllerian duct as the explanation of these changes.
Whether DES is only a teratogen or also a carcinogencerviccervi is unknown, as is the possible role of other factors in the development of cancer. An increased incidence of cancer among exposed males has not been documented.
Sources and more information
- Prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure and human genital tract abnormalities, Herbst AL, Scully RE, Robboy SJ. 1979 May;(51):25-35. NCBI PMID: 481577.
More DES DiEthylStilbestrol Resources
- DES studies on cancers and screening.
- DES studies on epigenetics and transgenerational effects.
- DES studies on fertility and pregnancy.
- DES studies on gender identity and psychological health.
- DES studies on in-utero exposure to DES and side-effects.
- DES studies on the genital tract.
- Papers on DES lawsuits.
- DES videos and posts tagged DES, the DES-exposed, DES victims.