Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix associated with micro-invasive squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ

A case of small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix associated with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ is reported. The tumor consisted mainly of uniform small cells with a population of intermediate cells that resembled carcinoid tumor cells. Foci of micro-invasive squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ were recognized separately, adjacent to the main tumor. Both Grimelius stain and immunostaining of serotonin were positive for small-cell and intermediate-cell carcinoma. Neurosecretory granules were demonstrated by electron microscopy. Microacini with positive mucin staining and microvilli-like structures suggested glandular or exocrine differentiation of the tumor. Three distinctive types of differentiation, neuroendocrine, exocrine and squamous characteristics, were expressed in the tumor.