Managing a Rare Case of Primary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Vagina at a Tertiary Cancer Center

Abstract

Background:

Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest of malignancies and accounts for only 1%–2% of all gynecologic malignancies. An intestinal-type, primary mucinous adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, and little is known about its etiology and behavior. Hence, recognition of this entity is important.

Case:

A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma (intestinal-type) of her vagina. Management of her case was individualized at a tertiary cancer center. Posterior exenteration was performed when she had a recurrence post radiotherapy, after thorough counseling of the patient and her relatives about the risk, extent, and complications of the surgery.

Results:

After several procedures, this patient has been disease-free for 6 months (as of this writing) and remains on follow-up.

Conclusions:

Due to the rarity of intestinal-type, primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the vagina and the limited literature about this condition, it is important to avoid misdiagnosis and mismanagement.