Primary small-cell carcinoma of the endometrium: clinicopathological study of a case and review of the literature

Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 2002;23(6):577-81.

Abstract

Background: Small-cell carcinomas are almost always primary in the lungs and are highly malignant. These tumors may also occur in the female genital tract. However, primary small-cell carcinoma of the endometrium is extremely rare with very few cases reported in the English literature. This tumor may exhibit evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation and has a high propensity for systemic spread and poor prognosis.

Case: A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman with primary small-cell carcinoma of the endometrium, FIGO stage Ib, underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and sampling node biopsies of the parametrial spaces, followed by adjuvant combined chemotherapy.

Conclusion: A case of small-cell carcinoma of the endometrium, is reported and its clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / therapy
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ultrasonography