Diagnostic challenges in minimal deviation adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: A report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) of the uterine cervix, otherwise known as adenoma malignum, is a rare variant of cervical adenocarcinoma, which represents a diagnostic challenge in the field of gynecologic oncology, due to its benign-resembling histological characteristics. To achieve a better understanding of this disease, we present two cases of MDA: one case presented with profuse watery discharge and cervical enlargement, accompanied by retention cysts and hardening; the other presented with a history of myoma cervicis uteri. Both patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy and our follow-up indicated that the patients were still free of any disease. Subsequently, a literature review was performed and the results demonstrated that early diagnosis, clinical stage and surgical protocols are the main factors affecting the prognosis of MDA. Close follow-up of the cases may provide more information regarding this disease and the efficacy of the available therapeutic methods.