_Fibroid Tumors of the Vagina._--Fibroid tumors sometimes occur in the vagina. They are usually found in the upper part of the anterior wall. They are sometimes adherent to the urethra. They are usually of small size, but may attain a diameter of six inches. The treatment of such tumors is removal.
Cancer and sarcoma may attack the vagina, though these diseases as primary conditions are very rare. When possible, complete removal should be done.
=Atresia of the Vagina.=--Severe puerperal infection or mechanical injury, followed by extensive destruction of the tissues of the vagina, may result in a cicatricial narrowing or complete closure or atresia of the vaginal canal.
The _symptoms_ of this condition are due to retention of the uterine discharges. There is no discharge of menstrual blood from the vagina. Attacks of pain occur periodically at the menstrual periods. A cystic tumor, which may be felt by rectal examination, is present. The tumor consists of the distended portion of the vaginal canal (hematocolpos), and sometimes of the distended cervical canal and body of the uterus. The contents of the hematocolpos are usually sterile, although they may become purulent (pyocolpos).
The _diagnosis_ is readily made by vaginal and rectal examination.
_Treatment_ consists in incision and excision of the vaginal septum and the suture of the vaginal mucous membrane above to that below the obstruction. In very severe cases it is difficult to maintain the patulous condition of the vaginal canal on account of subsequent cicatricial contraction. In such cases the repeated passage of vaginal bougies or the transplantation of mucous membrane has been resorted to.
=Vaginismus.=--The term “vaginismus” has been applied to a condition characterized by a spasmodic contraction of the muscles which close the vaginal orifice. The muscular spasm occurs reflexly when penetration of the vagina is attempted, as at coitus or a digital examination. The condition is due to dread of pain, and is usually the result of some painful local lesion, such as a urethral caruncle, fissures or sores of the vulva or anus, etc.; or it may be due to some painful condition of the tubes and ovaries. Similar contraction is observed in the sphincters of the anus when there is present a painful anal lesion.