Endocervicosis of Vagina

Endocervicosis of Vagina

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHSep 08, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Vaginal Endocervicosis

What is Endocervicosis of Vagina? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Endocervicosis of Vagina is a rare and benign condition that shows the abnormal presence of endocervical glands (of uterine cervix) on the walls of the vagina. The condition is seen in adult women
  • There are no risk factors for the condition and the cause of Endocervicosis of Vagina remains unknown. However, some studies indicate that it may arise from Müllerian remnants (abnormal embryological tissue remnants) or from displaced endocervical tissue abnormalities
  • Endocervicosis of Vagina is not associated with any significant signs and symptoms or complications, However, in some cases, it may cause abnormal vaginal discharge and lead to the presence of a benign mass/nodule with discomfort and pain
  • Treatment course, in a majority of women, includes observation in asymptomatic cases and surgical management, if necessary. In general, the prognosis of Endocervicosis of Vagina is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Endocervicosis of Vagina? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Endocervicosis of Vagina is mostly observed in adult women
  • There is no known geographical, ethnic, or racial preference

What are the Risk Factors for Endocervicosis of Vagina? (Predisposing Factors)

  • No definitive risk factors have been identified for Endocervicosis of Vagina

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Endocervicosis of Vagina? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Endocervicosis of Vagina is unknown. However, the following theories have been placed forward by research scientists:

  • During uterus removal (or hysterectomy), the endocervical tissue may be displaced and abnormally located in the vagina resulting in Vaginal Endocervicosis
  • Or, the condition may result from Müllerian vestiges, which are abnormal embryological tissue remnants (Müllerian remnants) during the fetal growth and development stage

It is important to note that Endocervicosis of Vagina is not caused by any sexually transmitted disease.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Endocervicosis of Vagina?

A majority of women with Endocervicosis of Vagina may be asymptomatic, presenting no significant signs and symptoms. In some cases, the following may be observed:

  • The presence of a painful lump within the vagina, or the presence of tumor-like nodules that may be seen or felt
  • In many cases, these tumors are observed following a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge may be present in some women
  • Some women may feel pain and discomfort
  • Pain during sex

How is Endocervicosis of Vagina Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Endocervicosis of Vagina may involve the following steps:

  • Evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a thorough physical (pelvic) examination
  • Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
  • Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus can provide an image of the vagina and surrounding pelvic organs
  • CT or CAT scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis may show a mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
  • MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the mass
  • Vaginal biopsy of the mass: It is the process of removing tissue for examination. A complete excision and removal of the lesion can help in the process of a biopsy, as well as be a means for treating the condition

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Endocervicosis of Vagina?

  • No significant complications of Endocervicosis of Vagina are noted, because it is a benign condition
  • Extremely rarely, the condition may be associated with adenocarcinoma

How is Endocervicosis of Vagina Treated?

Treatment measures for Endocervicosis of Vagina may include the following:

  • If there are no symptoms, then the healthcare provider may advise a ‘wait and watch’ approach, following the diagnosis of Vaginal Endocervicosis. A majority of women may not present any signs and symptoms
  • Surgical intervention with complete excision, when necessary, can result in a complete cure
  • Post-operative care is important: Minimum activity level is to be ensured until the surgical wound heals
  • Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Endocervicosis of Vagina be Prevented?

  • Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Endocervicosis of Vagina
  • Medical screening at regular intervals with scans and physical examinations are advised

What is the Prognosis of Endocervicosis of Vagina? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis of Endocervicosis of Vagina is excellent with adequate treatment (surgical removal through simple excision), since it follows a benign course
  • However, isolated cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from Vaginal Endocervicosis have been reported. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the condition in itself is benign

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Endocervicosis of Vagina:

The following DoveMed website links are useful resources for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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