Tumor-like presentation of herpetic cervicitis: A case report

• Published in: Case reports in women's health 2023-06, Vol.38, p.e00513, Article e00513
• Main Authors: Boldrini L, Pablo, Vallejos P, Gabriel, Ballesteros P, Polentze, Valenzuela L, Gonzalo, Roncone D, Enrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case report; Cervical cancer; Herpes simplex virus; Herpetic cervicitis
• ISSN: 2214-9112; 2214-9112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00513

The case of a 20-year-old immunocompetent woman with necrotizing cervicitis of the cervix caused by a primary infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 is presented, along with its respective evolution in images. Cervical cancer was included in the differential diagnoses, but biopsies ruled out malignancy and laboratory tests demonstrated the viral etiology of the cervical inflammation. After initiating specific treatment, the cervical lesions completely healed within 3 weeks. This case highlights the need to consider herpes simplex infection in the differential diagnosis of cervical inflammation and tumor formation. Additionally, it provides images that can aid in diagnosis and allow for the observation of its clinical evolution. •Primary genital herpes simplex virus infections have variable presentations in addition to cutaneous ulcers.•Rarely, immunocompetent patients present with a cervical tumor suggesting cancer.•Viral detection methods have limitations, and specific antibodies to herpes simplex virus can aid diagnosis.•Our case suggests a possible primary herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, despite lack of viral detection.•There is no evidence to support a link between herpes simplex virus and cervical cancer.