Chronic lymphocytic cervicitis: cytologic and histopathologic manifestations

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic pathology
• Cervical cytology
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• Chronic lymphocytic cervicitis is a morphologic entity found in routine gynecologic material.
• Histologically, it presents as subepithelial cervicovaginal lymphocyte collections.
• These findings can mimic a hyperplastic lymph node.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical and histological features of chronic lymphocytic cervicitis.
• To investigate potential etiologic factors.
• To delineate differential diagnostic criteria.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 170 patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic cervicitis over 11.5 years.
• Histopathological review of cervical and vaginal tissue.
• Differential diagnosis assessment.

Main Results:

• The typical patient is an asymptomatic postmenopausal woman in her sixth decade with a normal cervix.
• No specific endocrinologic, microbiologic, traumatic, or systemic factors were identified as causative.
• Key differential diagnoses include endometrial stromal cells, bare nuclei, small cell epithelial lesions, and lymphoid malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Chronic lymphocytic cervicitis is a benign, often self-limited condition.
• Its etiology remains unclear, with no specific associated factors identified.
• Careful evaluation is crucial to distinguish it from significant cervical or vaginal pathologies.