[Micro-glandular hyperplasia of the uterine cervix. Histo-cytopathological evaluation, differential diagnosis and review of literature]

Pathologica. 1993 Nov-Dec;85(1100):607-35.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Microglandular hyperplasia is a lesion of the uterine endocervical mucosa, often associated with a story of contraceptive drugs or pregnancy. It was frequently confused with adenocarcinoma or premalignant glandular changes until its benign nature was recognized. In order to ascertain clinical presentation, hormonal or gestational status, histologic patterns with their variants and cytologic counter-part, we collected and reviewed 28 cases of this condition over a period of a decade. The age ranged from 23 to 54, with a mean of 37.2 years. 11 patients had been receiving oral contraceptives and 5 were pregnant. All samples came from uterine cervix. Cervical smears were available from 17 women. Four histologic patterns were identified, including glandular, reticular, trabecular and solid. Cytologic features varied from aspecific, inflammatory changes of the columnar endocervical cells to more particular findings, including clear cells, strips, sheets, papillae, rosettes and corolla-like aggregates. Moreover, differential diagnostic criteria from cervical neoplasms and various pseudoneoplastic conditions of the cervical glandular epithelium are discussed. An extensive review of the literature is also presented.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Cervix Uteri / drug effects
  • Cervix Uteri / pathology*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / adverse effects
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Menopause
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology
  • Polyps / chemically induced
  • Polyps / pathology
  • Precancerous Conditions / chemically induced
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Uterine Cervical Diseases / chemically induced
  • Uterine Cervical Diseases / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vaginal Smears

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal