title: Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix: clarity is needed on the histological definition for this difficult diagnosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Villoglandular adenocarcinoma (VGA) of the cervix is reported as a variant of a cervical adenocarcinoma with a good prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present two cases histologically reported as a villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix that have recurred and progressed rapidly since initial treatment. External histopathological review suggested both had a prominent villoglandular pattern but with an associated underlying well-differentiated adenocarcinoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis of VGA is difficult. Current literature is not entirely consistent in the presented definition, and further clarity is needed. Because of the rarity of VGA and the difficulty but importance of the diagnosis, we would feel that a central review of all cases of VGA is warranted. This would assist in diagnosis and also in obtaining accurate follow-up data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Liverpool Womens Hospital, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK. Robert.macdonald@lwh.nhs.uk
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirwan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hayat
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Herrington
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shawki
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*