Investig Magn Reson Imaging.  2023 Dec;27(4):230-234. 10.13104/imri.2023.0014.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix Mimicking Cervical Lymphoma: A Case Report

• Hwang JY
• Kim KW
• Kim YJ
• Oh DH

• KMID: 2550191
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13104/imri.2023.0014

Abstract

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (SCNCC) is a rare form of cervical carcinoma. Precise and early diagnosis of SCNCC is crucial because of its poor prognosis and distinct therapeutic approach compared with other common squamous cervical cancers. This report presents a case of SCNCC in a 50-year-old woman with vaginal bleeding. On computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumor presents as a bulky, expansile, solid mass with a homogenous texture, low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and extensive nodal and distant metastases. Mimicking lymphoma, the tumor did not exhibit cervical epithelial distortion. The diagnosis of SCNCC was confirmed by punch biopsy, and the patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy. MRI features that suggest SCNCC are lesion homogeneity, low ADC values, and frequent nodal metastases, which are commonly observed in lymphomas. Therefore, despite its rarity, SCNCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a cervical mass presents with these findings.

Keyword

Cancer of the uterine cervix; Neuroendocrine carcinomas; Magnetic resonance imaging