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Case Reports
. 2024 Jul 3;16(7):e63788.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.63788. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Exploring the Pathological Journey of Superficial Spreading Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix Into the Endometrium

Ramya Chitturi  1 , Dhatri D Muttavarapu  1 , Radhika Medidi  1 , Jyothsna Bingi  1 , Aparna Chinnam  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Exploring the Pathological Journey of Superficial Spreading Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix Into the Endometrium

Ramya Chitturi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

The superficial extension of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) into the endometrium by replacing the endometrial glands is rare, as it normally spreads by invading the stroma or by lymphatic invasion. We present a case of a postmenopausal female complaining of vaginal discharge followed by vaginal bleeding. Microscopy showed a superficial spreading SCC of the cervix extending superficially into the endometrium with focal myometrial invasion. Carcinoma in situ changes were observed in the vagina. Based on the Fluhmann criteria and ancillary immunohistochemical testing, it was concluded to be an extension of cervical SCC and not primary endometrial carcinoma. The importance of this entity has not been given because of its low incidence.

Keywords: cancer cervix; cervical cancer; cervical squamous cell carcinoma; endometrium; superficial spread; vagina.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. (a) MRI T2 weighted image: axial view of an ill-defined lesion in the endocervical canal extending superficially into the endometrium. (b) Gross appearance of the tumor extending from the cervix into the endometrium
MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
Figure 2
Figure 2. (a) HSIL 40x, (b) SCC cervix H&E 100x, and (c) tumor cells in the endometrium and invading the myometrium H&E 40x
HSIL: high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, SCC: squamous cell carcinoma, H&E: hematoxylin and eosin
Figure 3
Figure 3. (a) p16 IHC in the cervix 400x and (b) p16 IHC in the endometrium 400x
IHC: immunohistochemistry
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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