Introduction

Glassy cell carcinoma(GCC) is a rare histologic sub-type of adenosquamous carcinoma that accounts for 1-2% of all cervical carcinomas.^[1] It is characterized by cells with sharp cytoplasmic margins, “ground glass” appearing eosinophilic cytoplasm and large round to ovoid nuclei with prominent nucleoli. It is characterized by cells with sharp cytoplasmic margins, “ground glass” appearing eosinophilic cytoplasm and large round to ovoid nuclei with prominent nucleoli.^[2]

Here we present a case of 49 year old female diagnosed as glassy cell carcinoma histologically and immunohistochemically.

Case Report

49 year old female presented to gynecological OPD with the complaint of postmenopausal bleeding for one week. She attained menopause 7 years back. Per speculum examination showed broad cervix with mild erosion. Per vaginal examination showed a bulge in the posterior wall of the uterus. Ultrasonography showed hypoechoic mass in the cervix with a likely diagnosis of cervical fibroid. Computed tomographic diagnosis was also cervical fibroid. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salphingoopherectomy was done. Operative findings showed, bulky cervix with friable mass extending throughout the endocervix.

Histopathological examination was done. Grossly, cervix showed a growth measuring 5x5x3cm. The growth was grayish white in color, soft and fragile and was seen to involve the entire ecto and endocervix. The lower uterine segment was free from tumor grossly. The vaginal flaps showed friable, grayish white areas. Microscopically, cervical tissue showed atypical cells arranged predominantly in solid pattern along with tubular pattern. The cells are highly pleomorphic having moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei with prominent nucleoli in many cells. Nests of cells with clear to pale eosinophilic cytoplasm, notable nuclear atypia and variable sized cytoplasmic vacuoles were noted. It also showed many atypical mitotic figures. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the stroma. Slides stained with Periodic acid schiff’s(PAS) stain was seen positive in cytoplasm focally. Diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of cervix was made.

Immunohistochemistry was sent and showed strong positivity for Ck, EMA and CEA. Score 1 positivity and block positivity was seen in p63 and p16 respectively. The tumor cells were negative for CK7, ER and viamentin. Based on overall histologic and immunohistochemisty features, diagnosis of glassy cell carcinoma was made.

Discussion

Mixed carcinoma of cervix was divided by Glucksmann and Cherry, in 1956, into well differentiated and poorly differentiated types. The poorly differentiated carcinoma was further sub divided into signet cell carcinoma and an undifferentiated form which were termed glassy cell carcinoma.^[3]

Glassy cell carcinoma grossly shows an exophytic growth. Endophytic tumors are found less frequently. It has a rapid growth pattern with metastases into lymph nodes and distant organs.^[4]

GCC is an aggressive histologic sub-type with poor prognosis.^[5] The characteristic features of GCC are cells in large nests having sharp margin that is well stained by PAS stain, with ground glass or finely granular cytoplasm and large to ovoid nuclei with prominent nucleoli.^[2] Our case also showed positivity for PAS stain.

The immunohistochemistry markers are positive for squamous cell carcinoma (p63, CK34) and adenocarcinoma(MUC1, MUC2, CEA). KI-67 proliferation index is also high (>70%). Our case also showed positivity for both CK and CEA.^[6]

The age of our patient is 49 years, similar to the median age of diagnosis, which is 46 years which is 10 years younger than in other histologic subtypes. An association with Human Papilloma virus and recurrent pregnancy is seen.^[6]

It is important to differentiate it from squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma as the GCC carries much poorer prognosis and high rate of metastasis outside pelvis.^[7]

The limitation of our study was as the diagnosis was made histolologically, proper clinical staging couldn’t be done and surgery was incomplete without lymph node dissection. Further follow up was done outside our institution and follow up of the patient was not possible.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.