Mixed Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix: A Rare Entity

Abstract

Carcinoma admixed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is a rare malignant tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis, of which large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with adenocarcinoma are particularly rare, which have been reported limitedly in the literature. Currently, in most specimens, this disease is identified as a human papillomavirus (HPV)-related tumor. In the present study, we report a patient with mixed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix, in which the molecular characterization of the lesion highlighted the ubiquitous presence of HPV18 DNA in both the adenocarcinomatous and neuroendocrine components, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of the virus. And 2 years later, the large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma component but not the adenocarcinoma component of the tumor progressed to cervical lymph node metastasis. Because large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is known to exhibit early metastasis and extremely poor prognosis, it is important to carefully detect the large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma component in cervical cancer. Therefore, accurate diagnosis coupled with a comprehensive literature review is essential to supplement epidemiological data and facilitate the development of standardized treatment strategies.