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Female Reproductive System

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Well-Differentiated Malignancies

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Pathology ((CCPATH))

Abstract

The ectocervix of the adult female is lined by a nonkeratizing squamous epithelium which shows cyclical changes in response to local steroid hormonal levels [1]. ER and PR are present in the epithelium and stromal fibroblasts. The endocervix is covered by a mucinous columnar epithelium which also invaginates to line the cleft-like structures in the stroma (endocervical glands). The glandular clefts are arranged in a collateral tunnellike pattern and usually penetrate less than 5 mm from the surface (but can be as deep as 1 cm). In contrast to the marked cyclic morphological changes in the ectocervical squamous cells, the columnar cells manifest minimal cytological changes. Instead, it shows dramatic variations in the production of secretion during the menstrual cycle. Importantly, mitotic activity is extremely rare in benign nongravid columnar epithelium. The subepithelial microvessel network of the endocervix is better developed than that of the ectocervix and the glandular structures largely shun from larger vessels and nerve bundles [2]. Furthermore, the endocervical stroma has twice as many stromal cells as does the ectocervical counterpart. The stromal cell from the two regions has different immunohistochemical features with the former showing reactivity for SMA and the latter for desmin. Moreover, the normal stroma also contains a dense network of CD34+ fibrocytes which are more predominantly located in the subepithelial and perivascular areas. In deep locations of the stroma, smooth muscle fibers are present and they are usually surrounded by CD34+ stromal cells [3].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology Beckley Veterans Medical Center (West Virginia), McGuire Veterans Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Xichun Sun M.D, Ph.D. (Medical Director, Staff Pathologist, Assistant Professor)

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  1. Xichun Sun M.D, Ph.D.
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Sun, X. (2015). Female Reproductive System. In: Well-Differentiated Malignancies. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1692-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1692-4_6

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

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