Although endocervical microglandular hyperplasia (MGH) is a common diagnosis, it can be confused with adenocarcinoma (ACa), mainly of the clear cell type. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the frequency of MGH diagnosis in conization specimens, their histological patterns and characterize the differential diagnosis between MGH and ACa through immunohistochemical markers, as well as some clinical aspects. METHODS: We reviewed 223 cervical cones and 50 ACa in cervical biopsies in order to: 1) assess the frequency of MGH in cones; 2) verify immunohistochemical expression of p53, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ki67 in both lesions; 3) correlate the findings to age, parity and hormonal status. RESULTS: We found 35 cases of MGH (15.7%), of the following patterns: 21 glandular (60%); 7 reticular (20%); 6 trabecular (17.1%) and one solid (2.8%). Average age was 36 years and mean parity was three children. Of the MGH patients, 51.42% were pregnant or made use of some hormonal therapy. ACa occurred in older patients (mean: 53 years), multiparous and with no hormonal history. CEA was negative in MGH and positive in 62% of ACa. Ki67 was weakly positive (5%-10% stained nuclei) in 8.6% of MGH and strong (> 40% stained nuclei) in 80% of ACa. p53 expression was negative in MGH and only present in 10% of ACa. CONCLUSIONS: MGH was common in cones, mainly in young women. Half of the cases were associated with hormonal therapy or pregnancy. CEA and Ki67 were useful but p53 expression was not important for the differential diagnosis with adenocarcinoma.
Uterine cervix; Microglandular hyperplasia; Diagnosis; Immunohistochemistry; Adenocarcinoma
