Lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma of the uterine cervix; a case report

• Published in: European journal of gynaecological oncology Vol. 32; no. 3; p. 325
• Main Authors: Mori, T, Sawada, M, Matsuo, S, Kuroboshi, H, Tatsumi, H, Iwasaku, K, Kitawaki, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 2011
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - virology; Cervix Uteri - pathology; Cervix Uteri - virology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - pathology; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - virology
• ISSN: 0392-2936

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the uterine cervix is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. This tumor is characterized by nests of poorly differentiated epithelial cells surrounded by a prominent lymphocytic infiltration. Despite the poorly differentiated pathological findings, it appears to have a better outcome than the usual squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Therefore, it is quite important to differentiate this tumor from poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and lympho-proliferative disorders of the cervix. LELC arising from the nasopharynx has been suggested to be associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), whereas the involvement of EBV in LELC of the uterine cervix is still controversial. In addition, the role of high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) in this type of tumor remains unknown. We report a case of LELC of the cervix with diagnosis on the basis of histopathology in a 52-year-old Japanese woman who presented with a history of continuous bleeding post menopause. We also examine the association of EBV and HPV in this case.