A 50-year-old woman presents with cervical cancer. Histopathology reveals small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix. Which statement about this subtype is correct?

• A It has a better prognosis than squamous cell carcinoma due to chemosensitivity
• B It is typically HPV 16 driven
• C Surgery alone is sufficient even for locally advanced disease
• D It is characterized by early systemic dissemination and poor prognosis ✓

Explanation

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is a rare, aggressive subtype characterized by early lymphovascular spread and distant metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis even with early-stage disease. It is typically associated with HPV 18 rather than HPV 16. Multimodal treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery) is required; surgery alone is insufficient for locally advanced disease.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.