Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix masquerading as a cervical fibroid: report of a rare entity

ABSTRACT

Primary neuroendocrine tumours of the cervix are extremely rare, with an incidence of only 0.5-1%; as such, these entities can present a clinical and diagnostic challenge. Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix are highly aggressive tumours that have a tendency to metastasise. We report a 44-year-old woman who presented to the Gynaecology Clinic of the Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, India, in 2016 with menorrhagia. Based on a clinical examination, she was provisionally diagnosed with a cervical fibroid. However, a biopsy revealed features of a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix which was subsequently confirmed via immunohistochemistry. An accurate diagnosis of a neuroendocrine carcinoma is vital as it forms the basis for treatment decisions as well as informing predictions for long-term survival