endocervical adenocarcinoma

Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Type of Cervical Cancer

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a rare and less common type of cervical cancer that originates from the glandular cells of the cervix. It accounts for approximately 25% of all cervical cancers [7].

Characteristics and Types

This type of cancer can be classified into two main types: those related to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and those not associated with HPV [1]. The usual adenocarcinoma represents about 70-90% of all endocervical adenocarcinomas, characterized by mucin-depleted epithelium, meaning the cells have lost their ability to produce mucus [8].

Symptoms

Adenocarcinoma of the cervix can cause symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, although these are not always present. The cancer develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix [4].

Classification and Subtypes

Pattern A endocervical adenocarcinomas are characterized by well-formed glands frequently forming groups with relatively well-preserved lobular architecture [5]. This type of cancer is distinct from other types of cervical cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma.

References:

[1] BM Ronnett · 2016 · Cited by 45 [2] A type of cervical cancer that begins in the glandular cells of the cervix. These cells make mucus and are found in tissue that lines the inner part of the ... [4] Aug 23, 2023 — Cervical adenocarcinoma develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. [5] by KJ Park · 2018 · Cited by 16 — Pattern A endocervical adenocarcinomas are characterised by well-formed glands frequently forming groups with relatively well preserved lobular architecture ... [7] Adenocarcinoma comprises 25% of cervical cancers and arises from the mucus-secreting glandular cells of the endocervix. Because of this origin within the ... [8] Mar 12, 2024 — Usual adenocarcinoma represents 70 - 90% of all endocervical adenocarcinomas and is characterized by: Mucin depleted epithelium, meaning ...

Based on the provided context, here are some possible signs and symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma:

• Abdominal pain [2]
• Fatigue or feeling tired [2]
• Painful or difficult bowel movements with blood in stool [2]
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after intercourse or between periods [1]

It's worth noting that early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, advanced cervical cancer can lead to more severe and persistent symptoms.

Additionally, some other possible signs and symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma include:

• Swelling of the legs [4]
• Problems urinating or having a bowel movement [4]
• Blood in the urine [4]
• Dull backache or vague sensations of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis [5]

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. They can perform various tests, such as Pap smears, colposcopies, and biopsies, to determine the presence and extent of endocervical adenocarcinoma.

References:

[1] Sep 2, 2023 — Once the cancer has progressed, it can show these symptoms: Unusual vaginal bleeding, for example, after intercourse or between periods or after ...

[2] Feb 13, 2024 — What are the symptoms of adenocarcinoma of the cervix? · abdominal pain · fatigue or feeling tired · painful or difficult bowel movements with ...

[4] Oct 2, 2024 — Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer · Swelling of the legs · Problems urinating or having a bowel movement · Blood in the urine. These signs ...

[5] Cervical cancer can sometimes cause a dull backache or vague sensations of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis. Any discomfort associated with an early-stage ...

Diagnostic Tests for Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Endocervical adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. Here are some of the diagnostic tests that may be used:

• Pap test: An abnormal Pap test result is often the first indication of endocervical adenocarcinoma [1].
• Colposcopy: A colposcopy may be performed to examine the cervix and vagina for any abnormalities [2].
• Cone biopsy: A cone biopsy may be used to diagnose endocervical adenocarcinoma, as well as to remove precancerous or early-stage cancer cells [3].
• Endocervical curettage (ECC): ECC involves using a small instrument to collect tissue samples from the cervical canal for examination under a microscope [2].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis of endocervical adenocarcinoma. This may involve taking a sample of tissue from the cervix or cervical canal [4, 5].

Additional Tests

In addition to these diagnostic tests, other procedures such as CT scans, PET scans, MRI, and/or biopsy may be used in the staging process to determine the extent of the cancer [4].

It's worth noting that a cytologic diagnosis of Atypical Glandular Cells (AGC) results in a diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma In Situ (AIS) in 3-4% of cases and invasive cervical adenocarcinoma in 2% [8].

Treatment Options for Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Endocervical adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer that originates from the glandular cells of the cervix, can be treated with various drug therapies. While the search results do not specifically mention endocervical adenocarcinoma, they provide information on targeted therapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer in general.

Targeted Therapy

• Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat cervical cancer [7]. It targets the VEGF protein and blocks it, which can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Balstilimab and zalifrelimab are an effective and durable new option for treating advanced or recurrent cervical cancers [8].

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat cervical cancer [4]. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy.
• Carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and topotecan are also chemo drugs that can be used to treat cervical cancer [5].

Other Treatment Options

• Immunotherapy may also be an option for treating stage IVB and recurrent cervical cancer [6].
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be combined as a treatment option for advanced or recurrent cervical cancers.

It's essential to note that the specific treatment plan for endocervical adenocarcinoma would depend on various factors, including the stage of the disease, overall health, and other individual circumstances. Consultation with an oncologist or healthcare provider is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.

References: [1] - Not relevant [2] - Chemotherapy may be given alone or with other types of treatment for cervical cancer. [3] - Bevacizumab targets the VEGF protein and blocks it, which can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. [4] - Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat cervical cancer. [5] - Chemo drugs commonly used to treat cervical cancer include cisplatin, carboplatin, bevacizumab (Avastin), paclitaxel (Taxol), and topotecan (Hycamtin). [6] - Treatment options for stage IVB and recurrent cervical cancer include immunotherapy. [7] - The most common targeted therapy drug used to treat cervical cancer is bevacizumab (Avastin). [8] - The combination of balstilimab and zalifrelimab is an effective and durable new option for treating advanced or recurrent cervical cancers.

Differential Diagnosis of Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, and its differential diagnosis involves distinguishing it from other conditions that may present similarly. Here are some key points to consider:

• High-risk HPV-related endocervical adenocarcinoma: This subtype can be challenging to diagnose, especially when invasion is not evident [7]. The most commonly encountered diagnostic problems include diagnosing invasion for high-risk HPV-related (usual type) endocervical adenocarcinoma [7].
• Low-grade endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinoma: In the distinction between usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma and low-grade endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinoma, the most useful markers are p16, p53, and Ki-67 [5].
• Gastric minimal-deviation adenocarcinoma: This condition has to be differentiated from benign conditions, of which the most important is gastric adenocarcinoma with minimal deviation [6].
• Well-differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma (GAS): The most common differential diagnosis of well-differentiated GAS includes low-grade endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinoma and diffuse laminar endocervical glandular hyperplasia (DLEGH) [9].
• Primary melanoma and Paget disease: These conditions can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of endocervical adenocarcinoma, particularly when there are pigmented lesions or ulcerative changes [3].

Key Markers for Differential Diagnosis

Some key markers that can aid in the differential diagnosis of endocervical adenocarcinoma include:

• CAIX and PAX8: These immunohistochemical markers have been shown to be useful in distinguishing between endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinomas [4].
• p16, p53, and Ki-67: These markers can help differentiate between high-risk HPV-related endocervical adenocarcinoma and low-grade endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinoma [5].

References

[1] RH Young (2002) - Description of the appearance of each subtype of adenocarcinoma or variant thereof is followed by a section on their differential diagnosis. Eighty percent of ...

[4] AI Hernandez-Caballero (2020) - Case series. Novel immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma: The added benefit of CAIX and PAX8.

[5] D Mocuta (2022) - Results In the distinction between usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma and low-grade endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinoma the most useful markers are p16, p53, and Ki-67.

[6] EC Pirog (2017) - Differential Diagnosis​​ Gastric minimal-deviation adenocarcinoma has to be differentiated from benign conditions, of which the most important is gastric adenocarcinoma with minimal deviation.

[7] BM Ronnett (2016) - The most commonly encountered diagnostic problems include the following: (1) diagnosing invasion for high-risk HPV-related (usual type) endocervical adenocarcinoma.

[8] RH Young (2002) - Description of the appearance of each subtype of adenocarcinoma or variant thereof is followed by a section on their differential diagnosis.

[9] S Lu (2019) - The most common differential diagnosis of well-differentiated GAS includes LEGH and diffuse laminar endocervical glandular hyperplasia (DLEGH).