Large Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer (LCNEC) of uterine cervix: A case study and review of literature

Abstract

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the uterine cervix is a very rare malignancy (less than 5% of all cervical malignancies) that is highly aggressive and usually results in unfavorable outcomes1,2. These tumors have been classified into four categories: small cell, large cell, classic carcinoid, and atypical carcinoid. Most patients with early stage disease develop metastatic disease. Frequent metastatic sites include the central nervous system, lung, and bone3. Despite aggressive surgical therapy, even in early-stage patients, mortality is high. This propensity for rapid, local and distant spread in early-stage disease emphasizes the need for systemic treatment2. In some cases, the initial diagnosis may be confused with either poorly differentiated squamousor adeno-carcinomas3.