Endometrial Epithelial Neoplasms

Abstract

Nonneoplastic lesions of the endometrium encompass a broad spectrum of epithelial alternations ranging from metaplasia, hormonal-related changes, inflammatory processes, reparative conditions, endometrial polyps and gestational alterations. Many of these conditions can mimic various malignant or pre-malignancy lesions of the endometrium, particularly when present in a small biopsy or curettage specimen. Endometrial hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia are preneoplastic conditions that precede to the most common endometrioid adenocarcinoma (Type 1 endometrial cancer). Serous and clear-cell carcinomas (Type 2 endometrial cancer) are high-grade carcinomas by definition and account for about 10–15% of endometrial malignancy. Mucinous carcinomas are diagnosed based on varying percentages of mucinous component present in the tumor, and is graded and treated as endometrioid carcinoma. Other histological types are rare, including squamous cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinomas (small cell and non-small cell), and finally various mixed carcinomas when individual mixed component constitutes at least 10% of the entire tumor.