Primary carcinoma of the vagina

Between the years 1930 and 1966, 52 patients with primary carcinoma of the vagina were treated at the Delafield and Presbyterian Hospitals. Forty-two were treated between 1930 and 1961, and of these 15 (35.7 per cent) survived for 5 years or more. The majority, 34 in number with survival of 11, were managed by a combination of external radiation and intravaginal or interstitial radium treatment. Eight patients with primary disease underwent radical operation, of which 4 survived for 5 years or more. On the basis of this experience, comments are made on the indicated type of therapy.