Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina: a 14-year study

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina managed at one institution over a 14-year period. The 28 cases of squamous cell vaginal carcinoma constituted 3.1% of all female genital tract cancers. Forty-six percent of the patients had undergone a previous hysterectomy for benign disease or for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; 14.2% had had irradiation. Disease of stage III or greater occurred in 43% of the study group. The majority of patients were treated by radiation therapy. The overall survival was 42.8%. This review indicates that patients who have had a previous hysterectomy should remain under close surveillance.