Aetiology and histopathology of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

Endometrial hyperplasias and many endometrial carcinomas are the result of over-stimulation of the endometrium by oestrogens. Hyperplasias are classified as simple, complex or atypical, the terms 'simple' and 'complex' referring to the glandular architectural pattern as assessed under low magnification and 'atypical' taking account of nuclear features under high power. Atypical hyperplasia may be difficult to distinguish from well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The commonest type of adenocarcinoma, the typical endometrioid carcinoma, needs to be distinguished from the less frequently encountered serous and clear cell carcinomas because of the much worse prognosis associated with the latter two types of tumour. Squamous elements may be found in endometrial carcinomas; the importance of this finding and the value of assessing the malignancy of the squamous component is controversial.

Duke Scholars

Author Stanley J. Robboy Pathology