Effects of maternal DES ingestion on the female genital tract

More than 250 cases of vaginal or cervical carcinoma among young females (age 7 to 29 yr) have been entered in a registry established after the association between these rare cancers and maternal stilbestrol ingestion became apparent. The number may increase as girls within the exposed group mature. More cases are now being discovered before symptoms develop and all patients identified while asymptomatic are well after treatment. The registry mentioned was established shortly after the discovery of the initial cases. It is called the Registry of Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Genital Tract in Young Females, and is supported by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Pathologists from all countries can refer their cases to the registry: Dr. R.E. Scully, Professor of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital.

Duke Scholars

Author Stanley J. Robboy Pathology