Cytologic features of adenoid basal carcinoma of the uterine cervix. A case report.

The cytologic features of a case of adenoid basal carcinoma of the cervix included large numbers of three-dimensional, somewhat-discohesive groups of intact cells with overlapping nuclei, a moderately high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, occasional peripheral palisading, finely granular chromatin, mild hyperchromasia and small nucleoli. The differential diagnosis with other entitities, including reactive endocervical cells and low grade adenocarcinoma of the cervix, is discussed. The acini, rosettes, pseudostratified nuclei with bare, "feathered" nuclei and columnar configurations seen in well-differentiated endocervical adenocarcinoma were absent. The distinction from reactive endocervical cells was difficult; adenoid basal carcinoma showed more numerous groups of cells, a higher nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, palisading and more three-dimensional groups with a "windswept" appearance as compared to those with reactive atypia.