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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Feb 2021Urogenital carcinoma in California sea lions () is the most common cancer of marine mammals. Primary tumors occur in the cervix, vagina, penis, or prepuce and...
Urogenital carcinoma in California sea lions () is the most common cancer of marine mammals. Primary tumors occur in the cervix, vagina, penis, or prepuce and aggressively metastasize resulting in death. This cancer has been strongly associated with a sexually transmitted herpesvirus, otarine herpesvirus 1 (OtHV1), but the virus has been detected in genital tracts of sea lions without cancer and a causative link has not been established. To determine if OtHV1 has a role in causing urogenital carcinoma we sequenced the viral genome, quantified viral load from cervical tissue from sea lions with ( = 95) and without ( = 163) urogenital carcinoma, and measured viral mRNA expression using in situ mRNA hybridization (Basescope) to quantify and identify the location of OtHV1 mRNA expression. Of the 95 sea lions diagnosed with urogenital carcinoma, 100% were qPCR positive for OtHV1, and 36% of the sea lions with a normal cervix were positive for the virus. The non-cancer OtHV1 positive cases had significantly lower viral loads in their cervix compared to the cervices from sea lions with urogenital carcinoma. The OtHV1 genome had several genes similar to the known oncogenes, and RNA in situ hybridization demonstrated high OtHV1 mRNA expression within the carcinoma lesions but not in normal cervical epithelium. The high viral loads, high mRNA expression of OtHV1 in the cervical tumors, and the presence of suspected OtHV1 oncogenes support the hypothesis that OtHV1 plays a significant role in the development of sea lion urogenital carcinoma.
PubMed: 33668446
DOI: 10.3390/ani11020491 -
Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy Aug 2021To evaluate treatment outcomes with image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for distal vaginal and vulvar cancers.
PURPOSE
To evaluate treatment outcomes with image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for distal vaginal and vulvar cancers.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Women treated for distal vaginal or vulvar malignancies utilizing IGBT were retrospectively reviewed, and acute and late toxicities were retrospectively graded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients were included, out of which, twelve patients (66.7%) were with primary disease of the distal vagina and vulva, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva ( = 8, 66.7%), and six with recurrent disease, most commonly recurrent endometrial carcinoma ( = 5, 83.3%). All patients received external beam radiation (EBRT) to a median dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions, followed by IGBT (range of 15 to 27.5 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions). Mean follow-up was 20.6 months. Mean dose to high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) D was 72.4 Gy. Mean D for the rectum, bladder, and urethra were 50 Gy, 50.6 Gy, and 62.9 Gy, respectively. Five patients (27.8%) recurred. Three patients (16.7%) had local recurrence, 1 patient (5.6%) had distant recurrence only, and 1 patient (5.6%) had simultaneous regional and distant recurrence. Grade 3 acute toxicities included 1 (5.6%) vaginal stenosis, 6 (33.3%) dermatitis/mucositis, 2 (11.1%) vaginal pain, and 1 (5.6%) vaginal/vulvar infection. Grade 3 late toxicities comprised 3 (17.7%) cases of vaginal pain and 1 (5.9%) skin/vaginal necrosis. There were no grade 4 or higher toxicities.
CONCLUSIONS
Definitive radiation therapy in the form of EBRT and IGBT provides meaningful loco-regional control in women with distal vaginal and vulvar cancers, with mainly skin and vaginal toxicity.
PubMed: 34484356
DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2021.108596 -
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic... Mar 2017Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumours (MMMTs) or carcinosarcomas of uterus are rare aggressive tumours of mesenchymal origin. It is associated with high incidence of... (Review)
Review
Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumours (MMMTs) or carcinosarcomas of uterus are rare aggressive tumours of mesenchymal origin. It is associated with high incidence of lymphatic, pulmonary and peritoneal metastasis. We hereby present two cases of mixed mullerian tumour. Case-1 was a 60-year-old post menopausal woman who had come with complaint of metrorrhagia and a protruding mass in the vagina. Case-2 was of a 54-year-old post-menopausal woman who came with complaints of heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain since two months. For the assessment of these tumours Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is preferred imaging modality due to excellent tissue contrast to detect the myometrial invasion, local extent and staging. Preoperative differentiation of mullerian tumour with endometrial carcinoma is important as both have different treatment.
PubMed: 28511476
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/25068.9470 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2015Treatment of menopausal symptoms by compounds with tissue-selective estrogen agonist/antagonist effects, often called selective estrogen receptor modulators, has been... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Treatment of menopausal symptoms by compounds with tissue-selective estrogen agonist/antagonist effects, often called selective estrogen receptor modulators, has been researched as an alternative to the use of estrogen therapy. These structurally diverse molecules elicit tissue-dependent responses in hormone-responsive tissues and organs, exhibiting variations in estrogenic activity in preclinical models of postmenopausal reproductive tissues that may improve postmenopausal women's health (eg, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and vulvar and vaginal atrophy).
METHODS
This literature review investigates whether preclinical data predicted the clinical effects of ospemifene on female reproductive and urinary tract tissues and compares these findings with the specific vaginal effects of other estrogen receptor agonists/antagonists (tamoxifen, raloxifene, and bazedoxifene) in preclinical and clinical studies. Lasofoxifene, although not currently available, is included because of its unique effects on vaginal tissue.
RESULTS
The response of endometrial and vaginal tissues to estrogen receptor agonists/antagonists can be differentiated using transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial histopathology, cytologic examination of vaginal smears, assessment of physical changes in the vagina, and relief of symptoms associated with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (such as dyspareunia).
CONCLUSIONS
Available evidence indicates that ospemifene has unique effects on tissue, leading to a favorable long-term profile for the relief of vulvar and vaginal atrophy compared with other estrogen receptor agonists/antagonists (eg, tamoxifen, raloxifene, and bazedoxifene) with no short-term concerns about endometrial safety (based on endometrial hyperplasia, carcinoma, endometrial spotting, and endometrial bleeding).
Topics: Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Humans; Menopause; Tamoxifen; Translational Research, Biomedical; Urogenital System
PubMed: 25423325
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000365 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Dec 2023The epidermis, the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium surrounding the body surface, offers a valuable framework to investigate how terrestrial animals overcome...
The epidermis, the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium surrounding the body surface, offers a valuable framework to investigate how terrestrial animals overcome environmental stresses. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal barrier function remain nebulous. In this study, we examined genes highly expressed in the human and mouse upper epidermis, the outer frontier that induces various barrier-related genes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the messenger RNA level of hemoglobin α (HBA), an oxygen carrier in erythroid cells, was enriched in the upper epidermis compared with that in the whole epidermis. Immunostaining analysis confirmed HBA protein expression in human and mouse keratinocytes (KCs) of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. HBA was also expressed in hair follicle KCs in the isthmus region; its expression levels were more prominent than those in interfollicular KCs. HBA expression was not observed in noncutaneous keratinized stratified squamous epithelia of mice, for example, the vagina, esophagus, and forestomach. HBA expression was upregulated in human epidermal KC cultures after UV irradiation, a major cause of skin-specific oxidative stress. Furthermore, HBA knockdown increased UV-induced production of ROS in primary KCs. Our findings suggest that epidermal HBA expression is induced by oxidative stress and acts as an antioxidant, contributing to skin barrier function.
Topics: Humans; Female; Animals; Mice; Hair Follicle; Epidermis; Keratinocytes; Hemoglobins; RNA, Messenger; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
PubMed: 37981423
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.08.008 -
Gene Feb 2022Nearly three hundred thousand female patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the world annually, and this number shows an increasing trend. However, characteristic...
Nearly three hundred thousand female patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the world annually, and this number shows an increasing trend. However, characteristic symptoms caused by ovarian cancer are so few that early diagnosis remains challenging, and an effective screening method has not yet been established. Here, we conducted a case-control study in Japan to analyze the association between cervicovaginal microbiome and ovarian cancer, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Analysis of DNA extracted from cervical smear samples revealed Lactobacillus-dominant and Lactobacillus-deficient, highly-diversified bacterial communities in premenopausal and postmenopausal healthy controls, respectively, as reported for vaginal microbiota previously. We found that cervicovaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer patients, regardless of their menopausal status, were frequently a diversified community and similar to those in healthy subjects at postmenopausal ages. The diverse microbiota was associated with the major histotypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, including serous ovarian cancer and ovarian clear cell cancer. The present study implies the potential of a cervicovaginal microbiome biomarker in screening ovarian cancer in premenopausal women.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Biomarkers; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Case-Control Studies; Cervix Uteri; DNA, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Japan; Lactobacillus; Metagenome; Microbiota; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Postmenopause; Premenopause; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Vagina; Young Adult
PubMed: 34856363
DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146083 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Apr 2022Vaginal mesenchymal cancer is one of the rarest cases, covering only 3% of all cases of vaginal malignancies. While risk factors are not heavily studied, genetic...
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal mesenchymal cancer is one of the rarest cases, covering only 3% of all cases of vaginal malignancies. While risk factors are not heavily studied, genetic disorders and hereditary diseases have been stated to be responsible for the increasing incidence of vaginal mesenchymal carcinoma. The diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma could be done through anamnesis to find abnormal uterine discharge and pelvic pain and physical examination to find a protruding mass on the vagina, which then should be confirmed through a series of radiologic examinations and histopathological examinations. Due to its rarity, each case should be properly evaluated for its clinical manifestation, diagnostic results, and outcome of the treatment.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 46-year-old woman came in with vaginal discharge and a protruding mass from the vagina without bleeding or urinary or defecation difficulties, which was suspected to be pedunculated submucous myoma. Based on pelvic USG and MRI, the mass was suspected to have originated from the vagina. Histopathology examinations from biopsy showed a possible mesenchymal malignant type. The patient then underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and partial vaginectomy. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma in the patient.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The patient was diagnosed with a vaginal malignant mesenchymal tumor stage II intraoperatively and underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Leiomyosarcoma is not commonly diagnosed preoperatively, hence implying the importance of radiologic examination to do an early diagnosis prior to the histopathological analysis. Due to the rarity of vaginal mesenchymal malignancy, further studies are needed to increase understanding of this case.
PubMed: 35318185
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.106864 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Gastric-type mucinous endocervical adenocarcinomas (GAS) are new variant types of cervical adenocarcinomas according to the 2014 World Health Organization (WHO)... (Review)
Review
Gastric-type mucinous endocervical adenocarcinomas (GAS) are new variant types of cervical adenocarcinomas according to the 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. GAS is a unique disease that can be differentiated from typical adenocarcinomas-it is less common and more aggressive and likely to have deep invasion and horizontal diffusion, invasion of the uterus and vagina, early distant metastases, and a lower 5-year survival rate compared to the usual-type cervical cancer. At present, initial treatment and postoperative adjuvant therapy are not conclusive, but early detection and early treatment are a consensus that can improve prognosis. Most of its occurrence has nothing to do with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Whether it is only negative for the subtypes that can be detected at present and whether it may be an unknown subtype of infection need to be further explored in the future. The clinical symptoms commonly include aqueous secretion, lower abdominal pain, and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen-19-9 (CA19-9) levels, which may be helpful for diagnosis. MRI and PET-CT can help to describe the characteristics of lesions and judge the state of the systemic metastasis. We believe that early detection and surgical treatment will give patients more benefits. Looking for potential gene and molecular changes and establishing biomarkers to identify molecular targets will be the key to early identification and target therapy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Adenocarcinoma; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 36310872
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.917009 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Sep 2015The aim of this study was to systematically review the findings of publications addressing the epidemiology of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, anal... (Review)
Review
The aim of this study was to systematically review the findings of publications addressing the epidemiology of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, and anal cancer in women. We conducted a systematic review among publications published from Jan. 1, 1997, to Sept. 30, 2013, to limit to publications from the combined antiretroviral therapy era. Three searches were performed of the National Library of Medicine PubMed database using the following search terms: women and anal HPV, women anal intraepithelial neoplasia, and women and anal cancer. Publications were included in the review if they addressed any of the following outcomes: (1) prevalence, incidence, or clearance of anal HPV infection, (2) prevalence of anal cytological or histological neoplastic abnormalities, or (3) incidence or risk of anal cancer. Thirty-seven publications addressing anal HPV infection and anal cytology remained after applying selection criteria, and 23 anal cancer publications met the selection criteria. Among HIV-positive women, the prevalence of high-risk (HR)-HPV in the anus was 16-85%. Among HIV-negative women, the prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection ranged from 4% to 86%. The prevalence of anal HR-HPV in HIV-negative women with HPV-related pathology of the vulva, vagina, and cervix compared with women with no known HPV-related pathology, varied from 23% to 86% and from 5% to 22%, respectively. Histological anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (anal intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater) was found in 3-26% of the women living with HIV, 0-9% among women with lower genital tract pathology, and 0-3% for women who are HIV negative without known lower genital tract pathology. The incidence of anal cancer among HIV-infected women ranged from 3.9 to 30 per 100,000. Among women with a history of cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3, the incidence rates of anal cancer ranged from 0.8 to 63.8 per 100,000 person-years, and in the general population, the incidence rates ranged from 0.55 to 2.4 per 100,000 person-years. This review provides evidence that anal HPV infection and dysplasia are common in women, especially in those who are HIV positive or have a history of HPV-related lower genital tract pathology. The incidence of anal cancer continues to grow in all women, especially those living with HIV, despite the widespread use of combined antiretroviral therapy.
Topics: Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Anus Diseases; Anus Neoplasms; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Coinfection; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence; Proctitis
PubMed: 25797230
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.034 -
Urology Case Reports Mar 2020A 92-year-old woman with history of right nephroureterectomy for low grade Ta urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the renal pelvis and proximal ureter and high grade Ta and...
A 92-year-old woman with history of right nephroureterectomy for low grade Ta urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the renal pelvis and proximal ureter and high grade Ta and carcinoma-in-situ of the bladder presented for surveillance cystoscopy in 2019. She was found to have no evidence of disease within bladder or upper tract, however demonstrated a large papillary lesion within the vagina. This lesion stained for p40+, p16 patchy+, and GATA3+, all markers of UC, and the same molecular makeup of her prior bladder tumor.
PubMed: 31890596
DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2019.101091