Publication:

Papillary squamotransitional carcinoma of cervix: a series of four cases

Background Carcinoma of cervix is the most common cancer in Indian women and squamous cell carcinoma is the principal histologic type. Papillary Squamotransitional carcinoma is a rare and distinctive variant of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, which differs by histology and clinical behavior from conventional squamous cell carcinoma. It shows papillary architecture with fibrovascular cores lined by multilayered atypical epithelium and is known for local recurrence and late metastasis.

Methods 4 cases of papillary squamotransitional carcinoma of cervix were diagnosed on cervical punch biopsies. All 4 cases were analyzed histopathologically.

Results Patients ranged from 40 years to 70 years with pain in abdomen being commonest presenting symptom. All the cases showed papillary architecture with fibrovascular cores lined by multi-layered atypical epithelium. Three cell types were observed: Clear, intermediate and basaloid.

Conclusions Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix and is characterized by its aggressive behavior.