Cervical adenoma malignum: Diagnostic dilemma of a rare form of cervical cancer

Abstract

Adenoma malignum of the cervix is a rare variant of Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Its overall incidence rate is low. We report a case of a 51-year-old married multipara who presented with a 4-year history of recurrent, heavy, prolonged menstrual flow, postcoital bleeding, and passage of mucoid vaginal discharge. Pelvic examination revealed a bulky, firm, endophytic cervical mass with ulcerative areas. Ultrasonography showed features of multiple uterine fibroids. Cervical smear cytology and histology of cervical punch biopsy did not show evidence of malignancy. The patient subsequently had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a purportedly benign pathology of the cervix. Diagnosis of cervical adenoma malignum was made from the surgical specimen postoperatively.