Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix

Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix, also glassy cell carcinoma, is a rare aggressive malignant tumour of the uterine cervix.^[1] The tumour gets its name from its microscopic appearance; its cytoplasm has a glass-like appearance.

Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix
Other names	Glassy cell carcinoma
Micrograph of a glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix. H&E stain.
Specialty	Oncology

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms are similar to other cervical cancers and may include post-coital bleeding and/or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Early lesions may be completely asymptomatic.^{[citation needed]}

Cause

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on tissue examination, e.g. biopsy.^{[citation needed]}

Under the microscope, glassy cell carcinoma tumours are composed of cells with a glass-like cytoplasm, typically associated with an inflammatory infiltrate abundant in eosinophils and very mitotically active. PAS staining highlights the plasma membrane.^[2]

Treatment

The treatment is dependent on the stage. Advanced tumours are treated with surgery (radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-opherectomy), radiation therapy and chemotherapy.^[2]

See also

• Cervix
• Cervical cancer
• Villoglandular adenocarcinoma

Additional images

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