Rare case of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of cervix: A case report.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignant tumor with histological features commonly associated with salivary glands. Although it is thought that human papillomavirus infection is a required cause of most cases of cervical cancer, little is known about its function in the pathophysiology of ACC. Patients with ACC usually present with vaginal bleeding, and physical examination may reveal a firm, palpable mass that may be friable or ulcerated. Cervical ACC is thought to be a radiosensitive tumor, and early-stage patients treated with adjuvant radiation have shown improved outcomes than those seen in cases where surgery has been performed alone. This case is important because there are few case reports in the world, and it is the first case to be reported from Ethiopia.

Case presentation: Here we present a 65-year-old female patient presented with vaginal bleeding, and histomorphologic examination confirms the diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix.

Clinical discussion: Histologically, these tumors are composed of fairly uniform, small basaloid cells with scanty cytoplasm and rounded or angulated hyperchromatic nuclei. The cells are arranged in a cribriform pattern with central hyaline or mucinous material. Less frequent patterns including trabecular, tubular, solid, or undifferentiated patterns may be observed. Lymph vascular invasion is frequent. This case was confirmed to be primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix with all features.

Conclusion: ACC of the cervix is a rare, particularly aggressive neoplasm. It requires enhancement of postoperative treatment regimens and careful follow-up and thus needs to be distinguished from other tumors with similar histologic aspects. So histopathologic examination with IHC correlation is strongly advised to diagnose this aggressive tumor.