Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the cervix

Peripheral primitive neuro-ectodermal tumours (PNET) of the cervix are very rare. Here, we report the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and genetic features of a case of a PNET located in the cervix. Hysterectomy re vealed a cervical tumour. On microscopic examination. a vaguely lobular arr angement of uniformly appearing neoplastic cells, with round to oval nuclei , distinct nuclear membranes and a clear, moderately glycogen-rich cytoplas m was seen. Cells stained positive for LEU 7, S 100, monoclonal NSE and par ticularly for MIC2. Neurogenic differentiation was also seen by electron mi croscopic examination. The genetic hallmark of PNET, a 22q12 rearrangement was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridisation experiments, support ing the diagnosis. Awareness of the existence of primary PNET of the cervix is important to avoid confusion with other rumours of the cervix.