Background: Small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a highly malignant form of cancer in women, characterized by its high propensity for rapid extra-pelvic distant metastasis and poor prognosis. The best treatment strategy for this type of cancer is still controversial. Case presentation: We report here a case of small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by extensive total hysterectomy followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. A 45-year-old Chinese woman was diagnosed with stage IIA small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patient suffered from head metastasis following a diagnosis made fifteen months prior. Conclusion: We describe the optimal treatment and prognostic factors of this tumour. The stage of the tumour, main treatment, prognostic factors and outcome of this disease are presented with a review of the related literature.