SYMPTOMS
While there are no reliable symptoms to indicate the development of clear
cell cancer, usually abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs. Some women have reported
a persistent vaginal discharge (which may be heavy or light) or vaginal
pain prior to their diagnosis. Other women had no indications of disease,
and their clear cell cancer was identified by a Pap test and/or palpation
(feeling) of the vagina at the time of a routine medical examination.
Most clear cell cancer tumors are confined to the vagina. Some involve only
the cervix, or a combination of the cervix and vagina. Most of the tumors
have been located in the upper third of the vagina, on the front (anterior)
of the vagina.
A clear cell cancer tumor typically looks like a raised, bright red lesion
which bleeds easily on contact. Tumors that are detected at an extremely
early stage, before they break through the surface of the vaginal tissue,
may be felt as small nodules or bumps, below the surface.
At the time of diagnosis it can be helpful to know as much as possible about
the size, location and stage of the tumor in order to best understand the
recommended treatment.
Typical site of Vaginal Clear Cell Tumor
The shaded area represents the middle to upper third of the
anterior (front) wall of the vagina, where vaginal clear cell tumors have
frequently occurred. In some cases the tumor has developed in the lower
third of the vagina, or in the posterior (back) wall.
WHAT TO DO
If you are diagnosed with clear cell cancer:
- Get a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment from a gynecologic
oncologist who is experienced in treating this cancer. Contact a consumer
organization for ways to find such a doctor (see page 43).
- Learn all you can about clear cell cancer and DES exposure. Call the
DES Cancer Network at 1(800) DES-NET-4 (1-800-337-6384). They can provide
information and support and put you in touch with others who have had clear
cell cancer.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR
Questions to ask your doctor about diagnosis:
- Where exactly is my tumor? Can you draw me a picture of its location?
- How big is my tumor?
- What stage is my cancer and what does this mean?
Frequency of Age at Diagnosis of
Clear Cell Cancer from 1971 to 1994
This chart shows the age of diagnosis of clear cell cancer and
the number of clear cell
cancer cases reported to a national registry. Registry for Research on Hormonal
Carcinogenesis, University of Chicago.
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