Cervical carcinoma with adenoid cystic pattern: a light and electron microscopic study

Three cases of cervical carcinoma with an adenoid cystic pattern were studied by light and electron microscopy. All were found to be compatible with the histologic picture of adenoid cystic carcinoma in other body sites. Although there was some variability in the pattern among the tumors, areas of each exhibited a cribriform appearance characterized by small cells with sparse cytoplasm arranged around cystic gland-like lumina. Only one tumor displayed cylindromatous formations similar to those described by Billroth. Two of the tumors were associated with foci of squamous cell carcinoma while the third contained areas suggestive of such a component. Electron microscopic examination showed varied morphology of the cysts, manifested by true glandlike lumina, extracellular spaces containing replicated basement membrane or enclosed stroma. In view of the observed diversity in the light and electron microscopic morphology of adenoid cystic carcinomas of the cervix, it is apparent that this tumor is not a distinct histologic entity. Accordingly, it is recommended that the terminology "cervical carcinoma with adenoid cystic pattern" be utilized.