Yolk Sac Tumor Originating From Cervical Adenocarcinoma: A Case Predominated by Enteroblastic Differentiation

The fetal gut-like phenotype can be found in yolk sac tumors and adenocarcinomas with enteroblastic differentiation (AEBDs). We report a cervical yolk sac tumor in a 44-yr-old woman. The tumor has similar morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular features to the AEBD of the digestive system. The tumor showed a glandular-predominant growth pattern, composed of columnar cells with clear glycogen-rich cytoplasm. The microcystic/reticular architecture or Schiller-Duval bodies were not found in the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for p16, glypican-3 (GPC3), spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), CDX-2, and p53. TP53 mutation was identified by next-generation sequencing, and human papillomavirus (HPV) 35 was detected by HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction. In the present case, the adenocarcinoma cells in the superficial cervical glandular epithelium and the nonclear glandular components proved the existence of somatic components. The positivity of p16 and HPV also supports that the present case originates from an HPV-associated adenocarcinoma. The yolk sac tumor should be thought of as germ cell differentiation from a somatic carcinoma. This kind of yolk sac tumor arising from somatic-type adenocarcinoma in the female genital tract may be the counterpart of AEBD in the digestive tracts and adenocarcinomas with fetal gut-like morphology in other organs. The tumor might be more aggressive than conventional adenocarcinoma, pathologists should highlight the existence of the enteroblastic component in the pathologic report.

Automated summary

A cervical yolk sac tumor in a 44-yr-old woman shares similarities with adenocarcinomas with enteroblastic differentiation (AEBDs) in the digestive system. The tumor exhibits a glandular-predominant growth pattern and is positive for p16, glypican-3 (GPC3), spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), CDX-2, and p53. TP53 mutation and HPV 35 infection were detected. This aggressive tumor should be recognized for its enteroblastic component in pathology reports.