[Clear cell vaginal adenocarcinoma in young girls. Apropos of a personal case]

A personal case which has been studied has given the authors the opportunity of analysing the characteristics of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina in a young girl. Adhesions are most often discovered in cases of metrorrhagia or discharge about the time of puberty. Thence as a friable tumour on the anterior wall of the vagina. Usually diethylstilboestrol has been given during intrauterine life. Histologically clear cell carcinomata of the vagina are characterised by a glandular structure in which large cells with large nuclei and clear cytoplasm as well as small cells with "tapestry-maker nail patterns" are found together. Treatment is surgical: total colpohysterectomy with conservation of the ovaries, with lymphadenectomy and with conservation of a vaginal cavity. Prevention consists in screening those who have been exposed to the risk and treating lesions that have been found, but above all in care in using estrogens in pregnant women.