Rare case of microglandular-like adenocarcinoma of endometrium

Abstract

Rare pattern of endometrial carcinoma microglandular-like pattern which appearance resembles microglandular hyperplasia of endocervix is described in the article. Similarity with the benign lesion makes difficult to diagnose this pattern of carcinoma, especially in tiny specimens. Moreover, it raises a question whether the tumor originates from uterine corpus or cervix. Microglandular-like adenocarcinoma of endometrium may represent an individual type of carcinoma or combine with endometrioid or mucinous carcinoma. Immunohistochemical evaluation is recommended for precise diagnosis: microglandular-like adenocarcinoma expresses both markers typical for cervical carcinomas p16, СК17, CEA and markers typical for endometrial carcinomas estrogen, vimentin, CD10. Presence of foamy macrophages in stroma of the tumor and intraglandular foci of squamous differentiation help in differential diagnosis with microglandular hyperplasia of endocervix. Immunohistochemical evaluation also facilitates differential diagnosis: negative expression of PAX2 and high mitotic index (Ki67 10%) favors microglandular-like adenocarcinoma.