[Clear cell carcinoma of the female genital tract]

Even though the existence of clear cell carcinomata is universally acknowledged at all levels of the female genital tract, the nomenclature and the pathogenesis are still controversial. Following the observation of several examples of these tumours, we have been tempted to define and state the origin of these tumours. In the light of urogenital embryogenesis we think that it is discretion that has led to purely descriptive terms to describe these carcinomata. A critical study of the hypotheses as to the pathogenesis that have been suggested about these tumours in the literature allows the summary of numerous arguments in favour of a müllerian origin or viewed in a broader aspect, coelomic origin for these tumours.