Adenoid Basal Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

ABSTRACT

We report a case of adenoid basal carcinoma of the uterine cervix unexpectedly found in a 68-year-old female. She was diagnosed with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) on a cervical smear and subsequent cervical punch biopsy. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed, and there were no significant gross findings in the uterine cervix. Microscopically, the epithelial surface showed a HSIL with glandular extension. Below the neoplastic epithelial lesion were numerous small nests of uniform small cells, which extended to the parametrium. These tumor cells contained hyperchromatic nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scant cytoplasm. Peripheral palisading and gland-like or acinar structures in the nests were noted. The latter were positive for mucicarmine stain. Foci of squamous differentiation exhibiting occasional mitoses and large atypical cells were seen in the small nests. Stromal reaction was not obvious. Immunohistochemically, the HSIL lesion and adenoid basal carcinoma lesion were negative for human papillowa virus. The tumor cells forming nests were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen, S-100 protein, and high molecular weight cytokeratin, but were negative for -smooth muscle actin and chromogranin A.