Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix
Rare aggressive cervical tumour with glass-like cytoplasm.
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix is an uncommon, aggressive cancer that originates in the uterine cervix. Its name comes from how it looks under a microscope: the cells’ cytoplasm has a glassy, translucent quality.
Signs and symptoms resemble those of other cervical cancers. They can include bleeding after sexual intercourse or pain during sex. Early-stage growths may cause no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis relies on examining tissue, such as from a biopsy. Under the microscope, the tumor consists of cells with glass-like cytoplasm. It is typically accompanied by a dense inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils and shows a high rate of mitotic activity. A PAS stain highlights the cell membranes.
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. For advanced cases, options include surgery (radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Field
- Oncology, gynecologic pathology
- Known for
- Rare aggressive cervical tumour with glass-like cytoplasm
- Symptoms
- Post-coital bleeding, dyspareunia, or asymptomatic in early lesions
- Diagnosis
- Tissue examination (biopsy) showing glassy cytoplasm, eosinophilic infiltrate, high mitotic activity
- Treatment
- Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy depending on stage
Lore & Background
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix derives its name from the microscopic appearance of its cells, which have a glass-like cytoplasm. The diagnosis is based on tissue examination, such as a biopsy, and under the microscope the tumours are composed of cells with this characteristic cytoplasm, typically associated with an inflammatory infiltrate abundant in eosinophils and very mitotically active. PAS staining highlights the plasma membrane.
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. The cause is not specified in the source article.
Treatment depends on the stage of the tumour. Advanced tumours are treated with surgery (radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Reader's Guide
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour of the uterine cervix, notable for its distinctive microscopic appearance. Its significance lies in its rarity and aggressive nature, which requires prompt diagnosis and stage-dependent treatment. The diagnosis relies on tissue examination, where the glass-like cytoplasm and associated eosinophilic infiltrate are key features. Treatment for advanced cases involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Understanding this tumour is important for pathologists and oncologists to differentiate it from other cervical cancers and to guide appropriate management. Its legacy is as a distinct entity within cervical cancer classification, emphasizing the need for accurate histological identification.
Did You Know?
- The tumour gets its name from the glass-like appearance of its cytoplasm under a microscope.
- Under the microscope, glassy cell carcinoma tumours are typically associated with an inflammatory infiltrate abundant in eosinophils.
- PAS staining highlights the plasma membrane of the tumour cells.
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