Vaginal metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Vaginal metastases originating from colorectal carcinoma are very rare. Due to the limited number of reported cases, there is no proposed standard treatment and little is known about its management outcome.

AIM: The aim of this article is to review the available literature to establish the clinical presentation, trends in treatment and prognosis of vaginal metastases from colorectal malignancy.

METHODS: A literature search using keywords used for database search were 'colorectal carcinoma', 'colorectal cancer', 'colon cancer' and 'vaginal metastasis'.

RESULTS: Of the 30 articles identified, 37 reported cases, were accessible for full evaluation. Cases reported originates from various countries and majority presented with vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis was established after histological examination and treatment options consist of surgical resection, radiotherapy or chemotherapy that have been used individually or in combination. Association with disseminated metastatic disease indicates ominous prognosis as seen in 32.4% (n = 12) cases.

CONCLUSION: Vaginal metastasis of colorectal cancer should be included in the differential diagnosis of a vaginal swelling. There is no proposed standard treatment for vaginal metastases but surgical resection is an appropriate approach for local control when no disseminated metastatic disease is documented.