Epidemiological changes in cervical carcinoma with particular reference to mucin-secreting subtypes

The histology of all 242 new cases of cervical carcinoma presenting to the Nottingham hospitals during two 2-year periods (1976-1977 and 1986-1987) has been reviewed and histochemical staining for mucins has been performed. Unlike previous studies these cases represent an unselected population and are primary referrals. The relative proportion of adenocarcinomas did not change significantly during the decade studied. Mucin secretion was identified in 64 cases previously diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. The proportion of carcinomas arising in patients aged 45 or younger increased significantly in the latter period. A disproportionate increase in the incidence of adenocarcinomas and other mucin-secreting subtypes was observed in this age group. These results confirm that the incidence of cervical carcinomas in young women is increasing. Mucin expression in cervical carcinomas is common, even in the absence of obvious glandular morphology.