Psammoma bodies in neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Acta Cytol. 1987 Nov-Dec;31(6):791-5.

Abstract

A case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix with focal papillary clusters and psammoma bodies, features not previously seen in this tumor, is documented. Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears and pelvic washings are correlated with tissue sections of endocervical curettage, hysterectomy and cul-de-sac biopsy specimens. Although there was some variation in the cytologic features, the tumor cells were generally distinguished by nuclear molding, indistinct nucleoli, finely granular chromatin and scant cytoplasm. Argyrophil-positive intracytoplasmic granules were identified in tissue sections of the tumor. These granules were positive for ACTH and neuron-specific enolase using the immunoperoxidase technique. Ultrastructural studies were consistent with these findings. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is therefore a cytologically distinctive tumor in which psammoma bodies may occur.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / immunology
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / ultrastructure
  • Endocrine System Diseases / immunology
  • Endocrine System Diseases / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / immunology
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Neurosecretory Systems / ultrastructure
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / immunology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / ultrastructure