Vaginal Adenosis, Detection and Value of Screening Procedures

Description:
Vaginal Adenosis (submucosal glands lined by mullerian-type epithelium) was rarely described in the past. It has been seen frequently in young women whose mothers took diethylstilbestrol and similar compounds during pregnancy. The adenosis can appear as a red granular lesion. Biopsy of these red areas as well as those that initially appear normal but fail to stain with Schiller’s iodine can usually be accomplished in the office. Although these glands appear to be benign, they
have been observed in close proximity to clear cell adenocarcinomas that have also occurred in young females whose mothers took stilbestrol during pregnancy. Present estimates suggest that the carcinomas are rare among the exposed population while adenosis occurs frequently. Although adenosis has been treated by surgical excision and local destruction (cauterization), the natural history of stilbestrol-associated adenosis is unknown. Close follow-up of patients with vaginal adenosis is certainly indicated and in many instances might prove to be the most prudent approach.

Study:
This study describes the use of routine vaginal iodine staining and other screening procedures for the detection of vaginal adenosis in 3871 postpubertal female patients. Iodine staining identified 65 patients with nonstaining areas in the vagina. Colposcopy verified the presence of vaginal adenosis in 11 of the 65 patients. Directed biopsies confirmed the diagnosis in 10 patients. The iodine staining procedure detected vaginal adenosis in only 1 patient who did not have a positive history of DES exposure or coexisting physical findings. Iodine staining of the vagina has little value as a screening procedure for the detection of vaginal adenosis. Based on these findings, a careful medical history and vaginal examination are recommended as the most productive routine screening procedures for vaginal adenosis. Evaluation and followup of those patients with a history of DES exposure in utero or physical findings suggestive of vaginal adenosis should include vaginal Papanicolaou smears supplemented by colposcopy at 6-month to 1-year intervals. Colposcopically directed biopsies of all abnormal areas should be obtained.

Sources: Value of screening procedures for the detection of vaginal adenosis, NCBI, Dr Herbst A, Mar 1976

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