Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix
Encyclopedia
Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix, also villoglandular papillary adenocarcinoma, papillary villoglandular adenocarcinoma and well-differentiated villoglandular adenocarcinoma, abbreviated VGA, is a rare type of cervical cancer
that, in relation to other cervical cancers, is typically found in younger women and has a better prognosis.
A similar lesion, villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the endometrium
, may arise from the inner lining of the uterus
, the endometrium.
s and may include post-coital bleeding
and/or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia
). Early lesions may be completely asymptomatic.
.
The name of the lesion describes it microscopic appearance. It has nipple-like structures with fibrovascular cores (papillae) that are long in relation to their width (villus
-like), which are covered with a glandular pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
sparing approaches (conization
, cervicectomy) may be viable treatment options.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. One of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer is in its advanced stages...
that, in relation to other cervical cancers, is typically found in younger women and has a better prognosis.
A similar lesion, villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the endometrium
Endometrium
-Function:The endometrium is the innermost glandular layer and functions as a lining for the uterus, preventing adhesions between the opposed walls of the myometrium, thereby maintaining the patency of the uterine cavity. During the menstrual cycle or estrous cycle, the endometrium grows to a...
, may arise from the inner lining of the uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
, the endometrium.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms are similar to other cervical cancerCervical cancer
Cervical cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or cervical area. One of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer is in its advanced stages...
s and may include post-coital bleeding
Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding refers to bleeding in females that is either a physiologic response during the non-conceptional menstrual cycle or caused by hormonal or organic problems of the reproductive system. Vaginal bleeding may occur at any age, but always needs investigation when encountered in female...
and/or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. The symptom is reported almost exclusively by women, although the problem can also occur in men. The causes are often reversible, even when long-standing, but self-perpetuating pain is a factor after the original...
). Early lesions may be completely asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on tissue examination, e.g. biopsyBiopsy
A biopsy is a medical test involving sampling of cells or tissues for examination. It is the medical removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically...
.
The name of the lesion describes it microscopic appearance. It has nipple-like structures with fibrovascular cores (papillae) that are long in relation to their width (villus
Villus
Intestinal villi are tiny, finger-like projections that protrude from the epithelial lining of the intestinal wall. Each villus is approximately 0.5-1.6 mm in length and has many microvilli , each of which are much smaller than a single villus...
-like), which are covered with a glandular pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
Treatment
The treatment is dependent on the stage. As the prognosis of this tumour is usually good, fertilityFertility
Fertility is the natural capability of producing offsprings. As a measure, "fertility rate" is the number of children born per couple, person or population. Fertility differs from fecundity, which is defined as the potential for reproduction...
sparing approaches (conization
Cervical conization
Cervical conization refers to a biopsy of the cervix in which a cone-shaped sample of tissue is removed from the mucous membrane. Conization may be used either for diagnostic purposes, or for therapeutic purposes to remove pre-cancerous cells.Types include:* cold knife conization...
, cervicectomy) may be viable treatment options.
See also
- Endometrial cancerEndometrial cancerEndometrial cancer refers to several types of malignancies that arise from the endometrium, or lining, of the uterus. Endometrial cancers are the most common gynecologic cancers in the United States, with over 35,000 women diagnosed each year. The incidence is on a slow rise secondary to the...
- Glassy cell carcinomaGlassy cell carcinoma of the cervixGlassy cell carcinoma of the cervix, also glassy cell carcinoma, is a rare aggressive malignant tumour of the uterine cervix. The tumour gets its name from its microscopic appearance; it's cytoplasm has a glass-like appearance.-Signs and symptoms:...
- Villous adenomaVillous adenomaVillous adenoma is a type of polyp that grows in the colon and other places in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes in other parts of the body. These adenomas may become malignant . Villous adenomas have been demonstrated to contain malignant portions in about one third of affected persons,...