[Malignant adenoma of the cervix: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma]

"Adenoma malignum" of the cervix is an extremely rare variant of cervical adenocarcinoma. Its diagnosis by means of light microscopy is rendered very difficult by its strong similarity to benign endocervical hyperplasia. During the last few years immunohistochemistry has proved to be of great help in differential diagnosis. Treatment of "adenoma malignum" also poses great problems. Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, although only early diagnosis offers the possibility of effective treatment. Radiotherapy has failed in all known cases in an advanced stage of the disease. Chemotherapy is also not promising as a therapeutical option, because the tumour expresses high levels of the multidrug-resistance marker P-glycoprotein.