[Vaginal adenosis and problems in its treatment]

The authors investigated four patients with suspected vaginal adenosis without prenatal exposure to DES. Adenosis was confirmed by histological examination in two instances. In one case the adenosis was formed by glands of the endometrial type. In the second case it was formed by glands of the endocervical type with atypical features. On check-up biopsy an adenocarcinoma was revealed (non-light cell) resembling morphologically a cervical adenocarcinoma. The authors discuss the embryogenesis, histogenesis, epidemiology and differential diagnosis of adenosis. At the same time the authors reflect on problems of its therapy. Finally the authors summarize some practical recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.