Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Cervix Diagnosed on Cervical Screening Cytology

Abstract

Abstract Case Presentation Primary lymphoma of the cervix is an uncommon entity and far more rarely diagnosed on routine screening cervical cytology. We present a case of a 38-year-old female with a 1-year history of heavy cyclical menstrual bleeding and interval spotting. She had no other significant past medical or obstetric history. On cervical exam, obscuring blood was noted without distinct abnormalities of the visualized cervix. Pathologic Findings Cervical cytology by ThinPrep (Hologic, Marlborough, MA) liquid-based cytology preparation demonstrated atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance as well as an abundant population of atypical lymphoid-appearing cells. Morphology of this second population was characterized by large cells (2-3 times the size of background inflammatory cells) with high nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio, vesicular chromatin, occasional nucleoli, marked nuclear membrane irregularities, and scant cytoplasm. A cell block of the specimen was performed and demonstrated a mature but cytologically large and atypical lymphoid population. Immunohistochemistry on the cell block specimen was consistent with a B-cell immunophenotype with strong CD45 and CD20 immunolabeling. Subsequent radiologic workup showed a diffusely enlarged cervix with increased metabolic uptake, as well as bilateral metabolically active pelvic lymph nodes. Conclusion Cervical and endometrial curettings obtained at an outside facility confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma that was further categorized as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, germinal center B-cell type. This case highlights an uncommon diagnosis found on screening cervical cytology. It reinforces awareness of the potential for lymphoid neoplasms on cervical cytology and the differential diagnosis associated with such cases.