Early invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Adenocarcinoma in situ is the precursor to most adenocarcinomas of the cervix with an average interval between clinically detected AIS and early invasion of approximately 5 years, supporting the potential for Papanicolaou test screening to prevent this disease. However, the existence of small carcinomas in the absence of AIS suggests the possibility of rapid progression in some cases. Invasion occurs by budding from or expansion of AIS glands, usually in the region of the squamocolumnar junction. Multifocal invasion is uncommon, as is vascular invasion in early lesions. The endometrioid variant has the same histogenesis as the endocervical type but may arise higher in the canal. The precursor of adenosquamous carcinoma has a similar bimorphic differentiation potential. Microglandular hyperplasia is not related to early invasive adenocarcinoma.