Neuroendocrine tumour of the uterine cervix. Cytomorphologic, histochemical and immunohistochemical aspects.

We report a case of neuroendocrine tumour of the uterine cervix (carcinoid) with spread to the corpus and adnexa, and hepatic metastases. Carcinoid represents a rare entity among tumours of the uterine cervix, and is now included among the APUD system-derived tumours (apudomas). Gross examination revealed an enlarged uterus (11 x 7 cm) with neoplastic infiltration of the endocervical canal and uterine corpus, and yellowish-white nodules in both ovaries. Microscopic features were those of a malignant trabecular carcinoid (Morson's type I-II). Morphological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed. Grimelius stain and antisera to NSE and bombesin yielded positive reactions. Focal positivity was seen with EMA, and probably expressed an epidermoid component. On the basis of a review of the literature, we classify our case within the differentiated neuroectodermic tumours, despite the extremely aggressive biologic behavior already present at surgery. Combined use of histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques is the correct approach to the histopathologic diagnosis of malignancies with rare and difficult features.