Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the uterine cervix is extremely rare, frequently metastasizes to distant organs, and its prognosis is poorer than squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The reasons for its poor prognosis are unclear. This case had both an ACC and a carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the uterine cervix, so the expressions of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were investigated in both tumors. Hysterectomy was performed on a 76-year old woman and the uterine cervical tissues immunohistochemically analyzed. Expressions of CD34 were positive in the ACC lesions but negative in the CIS ones and angiogenesis was confirmed in ACCs. Furthermore, expressions of VEGF and COX-2 were shown in ACC, but were absent in CIS. In conclusion, the expression of COX-2 in ACC may induce the expression of VEGF, increase angiogenesis and enhance tumor growth and invasion.