| Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Glassy cell carcinoma |
 | |
| Micrograph of a glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix. H&E stain. | |
| Specialty | Oncology  |
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix, also glassy cell carcinoma, is a rare aggressive malignant tumour of the uterine cervix.[1] The tumour gets its name from its microscopic appearance; its cytoplasm has a glass-like appearance.
The signs and symptoms are similar to other cervical cancers and may include post-coital bleeding and/or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Early lesions may be completely asymptomatic.[citation needed]
The diagnosis is based on tissue examination, e.g. biopsy.[citation needed]
Under the microscope, glassy cell carcinoma tumours are composed of cells with a glass-like cytoplasm, typically associated with an inflammatory infiltrate abundant in eosinophils and very mitotically active. PAS staining highlights the plasma membrane.[2]
The treatment is dependent on the stage. Advanced tumours are treated with surgery (radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-opherectomy), radiation therapy and chemotherapy.[2]
