Cystic fibrosis involving the cervix, mimicking a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma: a case report

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2014 Jan;33(1):100-4. doi: 10.1097/PGP.0b013e318278b832.

Abstract

We describe clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of an unusual case of cystic fibrosis manifesting in the cervix as a mass lesion, mimicking cervical adenocarcinoma. A 24-year-old nulligravida with cystic fibrosis developed heavy postcoital vaginal bleeding 4 months after starting oral contraceptives and was found to have a cervical mass. She underwent a loop electrosurgical excision of the mass, and microscopic examination revealed a florid endocervical proliferation, extending to the margins. This lesion was initially interpreted as an invasive, well-differentiated endocervical adenocarcinoma. However, on subsequent review, the lesion was found to have a low rate of proliferation, no evidence of an infiltrative growth pattern, and abundant acute inflammation. Given these findings and the absence of any residual endocervical lesion on a subsequent cold knife conization, we determined that this was a benign, likely reactive, lesion. This case, together with previous studies, suggests that women with cystic fibrosis can develop proliferative endocervical lesions and that oral contraceptives may contribute to their development.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult