Coexistence of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2001 Jul-Aug;11(4):334-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1438.2001.011004334.x.

Abstract

Women now constitute 28% of new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Cervical cancer in HIV-infected women has a high recurrence and death rate, as well as decreased intervals to recurrence and death. Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix are characterized by a high frequency of early nodal and distant metastases. We present the first report of a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix in an HIV-positive patient. A 28 year old with a 9-year history of HIV succumbed to metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix 5 months after diagnosis. Given the aggressive nature of the cell type, an extended metastatic workup should be considered prior to surgery. The immune suppression present in HIV-positive patients with neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma may make such a workup particularly crucial, such that surgery is offered only to those who can be expected to benefit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / complications
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / secondary
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Palliative Care
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / complications
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology