2006 Volume 45 Issue 2 Pages 154-159
Adenoma malignum, a form of very well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, has been a focus of controversies among gynecologic oncologists and pathologists. Gastric phenotype, as evidenced by HIK1083-immunohistochemistry and glandular cells with “golden-yellow” intracytoplasmic mucin on Pap smears, as well as watery vaginal discharge and multiple cysts on MRI/CT have been considered diagnostic features for this rare tumor, without any confirmation of specificity. Consequently, lobular endocervical hyperplasia, also known as pyloric gland metaplasia, has been erroneously regarded as adenoma malignum. Both conditions should be distinguished from each other based primarily on morphology, rather than mucin histochemistry and/or immunohistochemistry. This distinction iscrucial for optimal patient management.
