ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the characteristics of cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) and the methods of diagnosis and treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and pathological data of 15 patients with MDA treated from 1992 to 2007.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age of the 15 patients was 42.3 years. The main symptoms were increased discharge and irregular vaginal bleeding. Preoperative Pap smears showed adenocarcinoma in 3 cases (27.3%). The diagnosis of MDA was confirmed in 8 cases by cervical punch biopsies (53.3%) and 2 cases by conization. Several cysts were noted in sections of the endocervix. Microscopic examination showed glands irregular in size and shape. However, the deviation of tumor cells was minimal. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of CEA and alpha-SMA. The mean follow-up time was 51.0 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 85.7%. Four cases experienced recurrence in the vagina and pelvis at 2 years after operation. Three cases died of the disease relapse with an average survival time of 36.3 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma is rare, with minimal deviation of cell shape from the normal cervical cells and difficult in diagnosis. A deep biopsy or conization is necessary when punch biopsy is not sufficient for diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry is helpful to make an accurate diagnosis. Surgery is the first choice for cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma. Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy should be given if needed. The prognosis can be improved if a proper treatment plan is carried out.</p>