Liquid-Based Cytology of Villoglandular Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix: A Report of 3 Cases

• Published in: Journal of pathology and translational medicine Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 215 - 220
• Main Authors: Choi, Younghwa, Kim, Haeryoung, Choi, Haiyoung, Hwang, Daehyun, Choe, Gheeyoung, Chung, Jin-Haeng, Park, So Yeon, Lee, Hye Seung, Paik, Jin Ho, Park, Hyo Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Pathologists, Korean Society for Cytopathology 01.04.2012; The Korean Society of Pathologists and The Korean Society for Cytopathology; 대한병리학회
• Subjects: Case Report; Cervical cancer; Chemotherapy; Conflicts of interest; Human papillomavirus; 병리학; Uterine cervical neoplasms; Villoglandular adenocarcinoma; Liquid-based cytology
• ISSN: 1738-1843; 2383-7837; 2092-8920; 2092-8920; 2383-7845
• DOI: 10.4132/KoreanJPathol.2012.46.2.215

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma (VGA) is a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma with a more favorable prognosis compared to conventional adenocarcinomas. Although the tumors are usually recognized on colposcopic examination due to the mainly exophytic growth pattern, they may be underdiagnosed as benign lesions by cytology because of their minimal cytologic atypia. We report the liquid-based cytology (LBC) findings of three histologically confirmed VGAs which we have recently identified. They were characterized by hypercellular smears on low-power examination with smooth-bordered three-dimensional papillary fragments. The nuclei were relatively uniform with irregular nuclear membranes. Nucleoli were small but distinct and macronucleoli were also seen. The abnormal architectural patterns such as papillary structures and nuclear overlapping and nuclear hyperchromasia are important clues to the diagnosis of VGA. In addition, nuclear membrane irregularity and prominent nucleoli can be recognized on LBC specimens, further facilitating its diagnosis.