Carcinoma of the clitoris: a histologic study with cytokeratin profile

A carcinoma of the clitoris showed a variety of histologic features not usually encountered in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. In addition to poorly differentiated nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, there were large areas showing a transitional cell carcinoma pattern, as well as foci of spindle and anaplastic cells. The clitoral neoplasm also differed in its cytokeratin (CK) profile from that described in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, especially with regard to the widespread staining for CK 18 and 19 in the former. Thus, our study suggests that some carcinomas of the clitoris differ from those of ordinary squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva. More cases should be studied using immunohistochemical methods in order to establish the full histopathologic and CK range of the former.