Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the uterus--ultrastructural and hormonal study

A clear of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the uterus combined with early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix was reported. The adenocarcinoma was found to be in histologic continuity with the squamous cell carcinoma as well as with the cervical glandular epithelium. Ultrastructurally, the epithelial cells of the adenocarcinoma showed junctional complexes, well developed microvilli, parallel stacks of granular endoplasmic reticulums and twisted rope-like nucleoli, all of which were in accord with the cytologic characteristics of endometrial carcinoma. Hormonal study of the tumor suggested the presence of estrogen receptor and a lack of endocrine productibility. These findings provide an additional support for the Müllerian duct origin of uterine clear cell adenocarcinoma.