Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina in pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Feb;119(2 Pt 2):445-447. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318236ffcd.

Abstract

Background: Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina is extremely rare. Treatment options in pregnancy are complex owing to the aggressive tumor type and poor prognosis.

Case: We report the case of a gravid woman diagnosed with stage IVB neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina at 16 weeks of gestation. Disease responded to chemotherapy, and pregnancy was continued until onset of preterm labor at 28 5/7 weeks of gestation, with subsequent delivery of a viable fetus. Despite aggressive treatment with chemoradiation postpartum, the patient died of progressive disease 11 months after initial diagnosis.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary team should review treatment options and potential complications with the patient. Because of the tendency toward early tumor dissemination, the optimal treatment for neuroendocrine carcinoma in pregnancy involves systemic chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / secondary*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Live Birth
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / pathology*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology*