Microglandular adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: Case report

Abstract

We report a case of endometrial microglandular adenocarcinoma which can be confused with microglandular hyperplasia and mucinous adenocarcinoma of the cervix and mucinous proliferation of the endometrium. A 54-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with vaginal bleeding. Histologically, endometrial biopsy was characterized by closely packed microglandular and mucinous glandular areas, which is lined by cuboidal and columnar cells. There was a multitude of neutrophils in microglandular lumens and stroma. Immunohistochemically, focal positivity for vimentin, CEA, estrogen and progesterone receptors were seen. The histology was suspicious for malignancy that might be compatible with microglandular adenocarcinoma of the endometrium resembling microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix. In the final workout of the hysterectomy specimen, we determined a superficial microglandular adenocarcinoma with no myometrial invasion. Several tubal, eosinophilic syncytial and squamous metaplasia areas were present. Pathologists require sufficient clinical information, morphologic experience and immunohistochemical assistance to make the correct pathological diagnosis in such confounding neoplasms.