Abstract
Background : Micropapillary carcinoma is a histologic type featuring pseudopapillary structures lacking a central fibrovascular core and tubuloalveolar structures freely floating in clear, empty spaces. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the cervix uteri with a micropapillary pattern.
Case : An 87-year-old woman complained of genital bleeding, and was diagnosed cytologically with adenocarcinoma. Histological specimens showed small papillary tufts resembling micropapillary carcinoma, and immunoreactivity for MUC-1 limited to the cytoplasmic membrane oriented toward the stroma. MRI and CT showed a 4 cm mass in the ostium uteri to vagina and multiple lymph node metastases and mesenteric dissemination. From these findings, we disgnosed her with adenocarcinoma of the cervix uteri with a micropapillary pattern, Stage IVb (cT3bN1M1). Although radiation therapy was performed, she passed away 6 months after the first visit.
Conclusion : We have to keep in mind that a micropapillary pattern is one of the histologic types of cervical cancer. Immunocytochemical findings are useful in diagnosing micropapillary carcinoma.
