Small cell carcinoma of the cervix is a neuroendocrine tumour and a type of cervical cancer. It accounts for approximately 2% of all cervical neoplasms. Microscopically the tumour is made up of a monotonous population of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, nuclear molding, salt and pepper chromatin, and scant cytoplasm. Mitotic figures and apoptotic bodies can be easily identified. By immunohistochemistry, the tumour cells are variably positive for typical neuroendocrine markers such as synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, and low molecular weight cytokeratin. Like other types of cervical cancer, it appears related to prior infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
