Glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. An ultrastructural study and review.

Glassy cell carcinoma is an unusual neoplasm of the uterine cervix that accounts for 1% to 2% of all cervical malignant neoplasms. Although it seems to have a distinct histologic appearance, it has generally not been recognized, as indicated by the extremely small number of cases reported in the literature. Previous studies have indicated an aggressive behavior, a poor response to irradiation and surgery, and a tendency to widespread metastases. It occurs in a younger age group (mean age, 41 years) than other cervical neoplasms and often has been associated with pregnancy. The histogenesis is not known, but electron microscopic examination of one case we studied, and review of one previously described case, demonstrate that it is an adenosquamous carcinoma. The need to define this neoplasm better will be satisfied only by additional, thorough histologic and clinical studies.