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Clear
Cell Adenocarcinoma |
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It was the discovery of a rare form of cancer of the vagina in young women exposed to DES
that resulted in the government stepping in to ban the use of the drug in pregnancy.
Fortunately, the risk of cancer from DES exposure appears to be small, less than one in
1000 DES daughters. Initially, it was thought that the risk peaked in the age range from
the late teens to the early 20s, and then dropped off after that. However, a clustering of
cases in women in their late 30s and early 40s has led Dr. Arthur Herbst, the physician
who first identified this cancer, to fear that there may be a second "wave" of
these cancers in this older age range. Studies continue at Dr. Herbst’s Center for
Transplacental Carcinogenesis at the University of Chicago. If you or anyone you know has
been diagnosed with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix, you should contact
Dr. Herbst’s Registry at The University of Chicago, Department of OB/GYN, MC 2050,
5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. Another wonderful information and support
group is the DES Cancer Network.
The best way to protect yourself from this disease is to be consistent in your health
care. Find a physician who is familiar with the special
pelvic examination that DES daughters should have. He may recommend a colposcopy to
check for any abnormal tissue changes, and may take biopsies or specimens of any
suspicious areas.
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