Osseous Metaplasia of the Cervix: A Rare Transformation Can Mimic a Tumor-Literature Review

The transformation of nonosseous soft tissue into bone is known as osseous metaplasia (OM). This condition most commonly affects the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems and it is a well-known phenomenon in different soft tissue organs. Rarely, OM can affect the uterus, which can extend into the cervix. OM affecting the cervix alone is a more rare condition that has multiple different clinical presentations. The presentation can be similar to that of a tumor in extremely rare cases.

A 23-year-old nulligravida was complaining of irregular vaginal bleeding for one-month duration. Speculum examination revealed a foul-smelling bloody purulent discharge, tender cervix, and a brownish growth located at the posterior cervical lip. A punch biopsy of the growth was performed. Histological examination of the tissue revealed multiple bone fragments with necrosis and an inflammatory exudate. Because of the unusual findings, a repeat biopsy was performed. The biopsy yielded the same findings, which confirmed the diagnosis of osseous metaplasia of the cervix.

Although osseous metaplasia is a known phenomenon in different soft tissues, it is extremely rare in the uterine cervix and can mimic malignancy. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of it.