Early endocervical glandular neoplasia. I. Histomorphology and cytomorphology

A study is presented of 36 cases of early endocervical glandular neoplasia comprising three specific entities: endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ, microinvasive adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma limited to a single polypoid structure. A clinical profile is developed that reveals a typical patient population. The histomorphologic and cytomorphologic features of early endocervical glandular neoplasia are discussed in detail. The consistently reproducible cytologic appearance described may be accurately detected microscopically. Early detection of endocervical adenocarcinoma could produce a dramatic decrease in patient morbidity and mortality, such as has occurred with squamous epithelial malignancies.