Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix with Keratinization

Cytological features of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: polymorphism, hyperchromatic nuclei, 'tadpole' cells, and dense cytoplasm.

Editorial team 1 min August 2, 2024

Cervical smear: cells with dense cytoplasm, indicated by arrows

Cervical smear: pronounced cellular and nuclear polymorphism of the epithelium

Cervical smear: spindle-shaped tumor cells and tadpole cells

Cervical smear: atypical cells, elongated shape indicated by arrow

Cervical smear: pronounced epithelial atypia with nuclear hyperchromasia

Squamous cell carcinoma with keratinization. Cervical smear cytology. Educational material from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. Female, 30 years old, 14th day of cycle. HPV 16, 18 carrier. Suspected dysplasia. ✅ Cytological conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma with keratinization. Histologically: Squamous cell carcinoma with keratinization.

✅ Cytological features:

Nuclear and cellular polymorphism
Elongated cells are found (spindle-shaped, ’tadpole’ cells)
Nuclei are hyperchromatic, sometimes elongated
Cell cytoplasm appears ’lacquered’, dense and shiny, like keratinous masses

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