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

Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 2011;32(3):325-7.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 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