Clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix is linked with exposure to which agent?

Clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix is linked with exposure to which agent?

• A. HPV
• B. DES exposure
• C. Smoking
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix is classically linked to in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES was a synthetic estrogen given to pregnant women mid‑20th century to prevent miscarriage, but it was found to cause birth defects and an increased risk of rare vaginal and cervical cancers in daughters exposed before birth. This association persists in historical cases even though DES use has stopped. HPV exposure is associated with cervical cancer (often squamous cell type), and smoking increases cervical cancer risk in general, but neither is the hallmark cause of DES-associated clear cell tumors.

Clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix is classically linked to in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES was a synthetic estrogen given to pregnant women mid‑20th century to prevent miscarriage, but it was found to cause birth defects and an increased risk of rare vaginal and cervical cancers in daughters exposed before birth. This association persists in historical cases even though DES use has stopped. HPV exposure is associated with cervical cancer (often squamous cell type), and smoking increases cervical cancer risk in general, but neither is the hallmark cause of DES-associated clear cell tumors.