Panel of Villin, Pro-Ex-C, Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Expressions Could Help in Differentiation Between Endocervical and Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma

Endocervical and endometrioid adenocarcinoma have marked overlapping features and the differentiation between them is important for their accurate management. Villin is an actin-binding protein which has an important role in the maintenance of microvilli in epithelial cells and epithelial cell-specific anti-apoptotic protein processes. Pro-Ex-C is a marker for higher-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) which targets the cell cycle proteins causing their overexpression. The aim of the study was to clarify the diagnostic and predictive role of villin, Pro-Ex-C, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in endocervical and endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

We evaluated villin, Pro-Ex-C, ER and PR expressions in 15 cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma and 30 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the diagnostic and predictive role of that panel in both carcinoma subtypes. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated.

Positive villin and Pro-Ex-C expressions were positively correlated with the presence and pattern of cervical stromal invasion (p < 0.05). ER was positive in all cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. PR was detected in most cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The differences of villin, Pro-Ex-C, ER and PR expression in endocervical and endometrioid adenocarcinoma was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This methodology for distinguishing endocervical and endometrioid adenocarcinoma had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100% and a significant prognostic and predictive role.

In conclusion, villin, Pro-Ex-C, ER and PR expressions have diagnostic and predictive roles in endocervical and endometrioid adenocarcinoma.