Dysplastic ichtyosis uteri of endometrium associated with squamous cell carcinoma insitu of cervix –does it have malignant potential

Abstract

Ichthyosis uterus is an exceedingly rare condition in which the entire surface of the endometrium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. Originally described as an endometrial response to iatrogenically- introduced caustic substances, similar changes have since been described in association with a variety of inflammatory conditions of the endometrium. We describe here an undescribed example of a carcinoma insitu of the uterine cervix associated with extensive ichthyosis uteri-like changes of the entire endometrium. Additionally, the squamous epithelium of the latter also showed multifocal changes diagnostic of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. The potential genesis of this composite of findings is discussed, as is the neoplastic potential of ichthyosis uteri. The possibility of significant cervical pathology should be considered when plaques of squamous epithelium with low grade dysplastic changes are identified in an endometrial biopsy or curettage.