Malignancy of the vagina; it most often results from the spread of cancer from another organ, especially the uterus or ovaries, but may occur as a primary neoplasm, especially in women exposed while in the uterus to diethylstilbestrol (given to their mothers to prevent spontaneous abortion). Treatment depends on the size and location of the lesion and the age and health of the woman; it may include removal of the vagina, hysterectomy, and/or irradiation.
A rare form of cancer typically seen only in women whose mothers were treated with diethylstilbestrol during their pregnancy.