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Kaur H, Qadri S, Nevill AM, Ewies AAA. "The optimal endometrial thickness threshold for prediction of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women without bleeding remains uncertain - Systematic review and meta-analysis". J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024:102831. [PMID: 39127112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The incidental finding of endometrial thickness (ET) >4 mm in the absence of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is a common cause of referring women to secondary care. However, there is lack of consensus amongst gynecologists as regards the management. It is estimated that up to 15% of endometrial cancers occur in women without PMB. The aim this study was to determine the optimal ET threshold, on trans-vaginal ultrasound scan, that discriminates normal endometrium from endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in this cohort. On using a thorough search strategy, a total 16 studies including 4088 women were deemed eligible. However, the data were not amenable to meta-analysis. There were wide variations in the thresholds reported with potential bias given the retrospective nature of the majority of the studies. Despite contacting authors, we could not obtain the primary data to generate a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve. No linear or curvilinear association was found between ET thresholds and the percentage of women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia and cancer using either Pearson's correlation, linear or curvilinear regression, or a simple visual scan/scatter diagram. The result of this study reveals the lack of evidence to inform clinical practice in this area, and there is a need for a well-designed multi-center prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet Kaur
- Specialty Trainee, Department of Gynecology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH), Birmingham, UK
| | - Shahin Qadri
- Specialty Doctor, Department of Gynecology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH), Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ayman A A Ewies
- Consultant Gynecologist in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH) and Visiting Senior Lecturer in University of Aston, Birmingham, UK.
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Wolfman W, Bougie O, Chen I, Tang Y, Goldstein S, Bouteaud J. Guideline No. 451: Asymptomatic Endometrial Thickening in Postmenopausal Women. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102591. [PMID: 38901794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To formulate strategies for clinical assessments for endometrial thickening on ultrasound in a postmenopausal woman without bleeding. TARGET POPULATION Postmenopausal women of any age. OUTCOMES To reduce unnecessary invasive interventions and investigations in women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening while selectively investigating women at risk for endometrial cancer. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS It is anticipated that the adoption of these recommendations would save postmenopausal women unnecessary anxiety, pain, and risk of procedural complications. It is also expected to decrease the cost to the health care system by eliminating unnecessary interventions. EVIDENCE English language articles from Medline, Cochrane, and PubMed databases for relevant peer-reviewed articles dating from 1995 to 2022 (e.g., asymptomatic endometrial thickness, endometrial cancer, postmenopausal bleeding, transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, cervical stenosis, hormone therapies and the endometrium, tamoxifen, tibolone, aromatase inhibitors). Results were restricted to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Physicians, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, radiologists, pathologists, and internists; nurse practitioners and nurses; medical trainees, including medical students, residents, and fellows; and other providers of health care of the postmenopausal population. SOCIAL MEDIA ABSTRACT Postmenopausal women often have a thickening of the lining of the uterus found during ultrasound. Without bleeding, an endometrium <11 mm is rarely a serious problem but should be evaluated by a health care provider. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Wolfman W, Bougie O, Chen I, Tang Y, Goldstein S, Bouteaud J. Directive clinique n o 451 : Épaississement asymptomatique de l'endomètre chez les femmes ménopausées. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102590. [PMID: 38901795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
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Manley K, Hillard T, Clark J, Kumar G, Morrison J, Hamoda H, Barber K, Holloway D, Middleton B, Oyston M, Pickering M, Sassarini J, Williams N. Management of unscheduled bleeding on HRT: A joint guideline on behalf of the British Menopause Society, Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Royal College of General Practitioners and Getting it Right First Time. Post Reprod Health 2024; 30:95-116. [PMID: 38743767 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241254413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect up to 40% of users. In parallel with the increase in HRT prescribing in the UK, there has been an associated increase in referrals to the urgent suspicion of cancer pathway for unscheduled bleeding. On behalf of the British Menopause Society (BMS) an expert review panel was established, including primary and secondary care clinicians with expertise in the management of menopause, with representatives from key related organisations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, the British Gynaecological Cancer Society, British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, Royal College of General Practitioners and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, and service development partners from NHS England and GIRFT (Getting it Right First Time). For each topic, a focused literature review was completed to develop evidence led recommendations, where available, which were ratified by consensus review within the panel and by guideline groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyn Manley
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy Hillard
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, Poole, UK
- British Menopause Society, Marlow, UK
| | - Justin Clark
- Department of Gynaecology, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
- British Gynaecological Endoscopy Society, London, UK
| | - Geeta Kumar
- Department of Gynaecology, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wales, UK
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Jo Morrison
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, UK
- British Gynaecological Cancer Society, Bangor, UK
| | - Haitham Hamoda
- British Menopause Society, Marlow, UK
- Department of Gynaecology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Katie Barber
- British Menopause Society, Marlow, UK
- Primary Care Physician, Oxford, UK
| | - Debra Holloway
- Department of Gynaecology, Guys and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bronwyn Middleton
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Maria Oyston
- NHS England Elective Recovery and Transformation Team, London, UK
| | - Mark Pickering
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Jenifer Sassarini
- Department of Gynaecology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
- Scottish Menopause Network, Glasgow, UK
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Ai F, Qin X, Zhou L, Wang S. Analysis of factors related to endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with endometrial thickening. Menopause 2023; 30:920-926. [PMID: 37555714 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the factors related to endometrial cancer (EC) in postmenopausal women with endometrial thickening and the value of endometrial thickness (ET) in predicting EC. METHODS A retrospective study of 385 referrals to our department for hysteroscopic diagnostic curettage assessment was carried out. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent contributors to the development of EC. The ability of ET to predict EC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS The follow-up period from the identification of endometrial thickening to pathological confirmation of EC was from 2 weeks to 3 months. In the postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) group, a total of 47 participants' specimens were pathologically malignant. Older age and polypoid mass-like lesions ( P < 0.001) were independent factors associated with EC. The optimal critical value of ET in predicting EC was 9.5 mm, with a sensitivity and specificity of 70.21% and 70.67%, respectively. In the non-PMB group, six participants had evidence of malignant pathology, and only polypoid mass-like lesions were an independent factor associated with EC ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS For postmenopausal women with increased ET and PMB, older age, thicker ET, and polypoid mass-like lesions on transvaginal ultrasound were independent associated factors for EC. An ET greater than 9.5 mm is a threshold for predicting EC. For postmenopausal women with increased ET without PMB, the incidence of endometrial malignancy is low. If the woman has polypoid mass-like lesions on transvaginal ultrasound, she should receive further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Ai
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Quaranta M, Maillou K, D'Souza N, Pathiraja P. Incidental Finding of Thickened Endometrium in Postmenopausal Women: A Survey of Endometrial Cancer. Cureus 2023; 15:e38538. [PMID: 37273332 PMCID: PMC10239253 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of endometrial cancer in asymptomatic and symptomatic postmenopausal women referred to the hysteroscopy service for incidental finding of thickened endometrium. The secondary objectives were to identify, for the asymptomatic cohort, an acceptable threshold of endometrial thickness (ET) which should trigger endometrial sampling and its related sensitivity and specificity. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 136 asymptomatic and 602 symptomatic postmenopausal women with an ET of >4 mm referred to the endometrial cancer diagnostic service in a gynecology oncology center over a period of one year. Clincal and demographic data were analyzed. Histopathological diagnosis was completed and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for acceptable ET cutoff in asymptomatic women were evaluated. Results The prevalence of malignancy and atypical hyperplasia in asymptomatic women was 3.7% and 4.4%, respectively. Within the asymptomatic subgroup with ET <11 mm, the yield rate for atypical hyperplasia (AH)+cancer was 2.2%. An ET <10 mm gave a similar yield; however, specificity decreased. ET (t-test p-value=0.037) correlates with endometrial pathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified a cutoff of 11 mm as an acceptable threshold for triggering further investigations. Conclusion Based on our findings, 11 mm may represent an acceptable threshold for further investigation in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. We strongly advocate qualitative assessment of the endometrium and evaluation of individual risk factors in women with ET between 4 mm and 11 mm. This study will contribute to the existing body of evidence for the management of asymptomatic postmenopausal women with incidental increased ET. Further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Quaranta
- Gynecological Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, GBR
| | - Katherine Maillou
- Gynecological Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, GBR
| | - Natasha D'Souza
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, GBR
| | - Pubudu Pathiraja
- Gynecological Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, GBR
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Vitale SG, Buzzaccarini G, Riemma G, Pacheco LA, Sardo ADS, Carugno J, Chiantera V, Török P, Noventa M, Haimovich S, De Franciscis P, Perez-Medina T, Angioni S, Laganà AS. Endometrial Biopsy: Indications, Techniques and Recommendations. An Evidence-Based Guideline for Clinical Practice. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2023; 52:102588. [PMID: 37061093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
This practice guideline provides updated evidence for the gynecologist who performs endometrial biopsy (EB) in gynecologic clinical practice. An international committee of gynecology experts developed the recommendations according to AGREE Reporting Guideline. An adequate tissue sampling is mandatory when performing an EB. Blind methods should not be first choice in patients with suspected endometrial malignancy. Hysteroscopy is the targeted-biopsy method with highest diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Blind suction techniques are not reliable for the diagnosis of endometrial polyps. In low resources settings, and in absence of the capacity to perform office hysteroscopy, blind techniques could be used for EB. Hysteroscopic punch biopsy allows to collect only limited amount of endometrial tissue. grasp biopsy technique should be considered first choice in reproductive aged women, bipolar electrode chip biopsy should be preferred with hypotrophic or atrophic endometrium. EB is required for the final diagnosis of chronic endometritis. There is no consensus regarding which endometrial thickness cut-off should be used for recommending EB in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. EB should be offered to young women with abnormal uterine bleeding and risk factors for endometrial carcinoma. Endometrial pathology should be excluded with EB in nonobese women with unopposed hyperestrogenism. Hysteroscopy with EB is useful in patients with abnormal bleeding even without sonographic evidence of pathology. EB has high sensitivity for detecting intrauterine pathologies. In postmenopausal women with uterine bleeding, EB is recommended. Women with sonographic endometrial thickness > 4mm using tamoxifen should undergo hysteroscopic EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Gynaecologic and Obstetrics Clinic, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gaetano Riemma
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy.
| | - Luis Alonso Pacheco
- Unidad de Endoscopia Ginecológica, Centro Gutenberg, Hospital Xanit Internacional, Málaga, Spain
| | - Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jose Carugno
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Minimally Invasive Gynecology Division, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Peter Török
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Marco Noventa
- Gynaecologic and Obstetrics Clinic, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sergio Haimovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laniado University Hospital, Netanya, Israel and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Pasquale De Franciscis
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Tirso Perez-Medina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Autonoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Vitale SG, Riemma G, Haimovich S, Carugno J, Alonso Pacheco L, Perez-Medina T, Parry JP, Török P, Tesarik J, Della Corte L, Cobellis L, Di Spiezio Sardo A, De Franciscis P. Risk of endometrial cancer in asymptomatic postmenopausal women in relation to ultrasonographic endometrial thickness: systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:22-35.e2. [PMID: 35932873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the risk of endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women concerning the endometrial thickness measured by stratified threshold categories used for performing subsequent endometrial sampling and histologic evaluation. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, SciELO, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, conference proceedings, and international controlled trials registries were searched without temporal, geographic, or language restrictions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies were selected if they had a crossover design evaluating the risk of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma in postmenopausal asymptomatic women and calculated the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography thresholds (at least 3.0 mm) confirmed by histopathologic diagnosis. METHODS This was a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy and Synthesizing Evidence from Diagnostic Accuracy Tests guidelines. Endometrial thickness thresholds were grouped as follows: from 3.0 to 5.9 mm; between 6.0 and 9.9 mm; between 10.0 and 13.9 mm; and ≥14.0 mm. Quality assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Publication bias was quantified using the Deek funnel plot test. Coprimary outcomes were the risk of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma according to the endometrial thickness and diagnostic accuracy of each threshold group. RESULTS A total of 18 studies provided the data of 10,334 women who were all included in the final analysis. Overall, at an endometrial thickness threshold of at least 3.0 mm, the risk of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma was increased 3-fold relative to women below the cutoff (relative risk, 3.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-6.32; I2=74%). Similar degrees of risk were reported for thresholds between 3.0 and 5.9 mm (relative risk, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-11.41; I2=0%), 6.0 and 9.9 mm (relative risk, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-11.23; I2=0%), 10.0 and 13.9 mm (relative risk, 4.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-10.87; I2=86%), and ≥14.0 mm (relative risk, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-6.16; I2=78%) with no significant difference among subgroups (P=.885). Regarding diagnostic accuracy, the pooled sensitivity decreased from thresholds below 5.9 mm (relative risk, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.85) to above 14.0 mm (relative risk, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.40). Furthermore, the specificity increased from 0.70 (95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.78) for endometrial thickness between 3.0 and 5.9 mm to 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.94) when the endometrial thickness is ≥14.0 mm. For 3.0 to 5.9 mm and 10.0 to 13.9 mm thresholds, the highest diagnostic odds ratios of 10 (95% confidence interval, 3-41) and 11 (95% confidence interval, 2-49), with areas under the curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.84) and 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.86), respectively, were retrieved. The summary point analysis revealed that the 3.0 to 5.9 mm cutoff point was placed higher in the summary receiver operator curve space than the other subgroups, indicating increased endometrial carcinoma or atypical endometrial hyperplasia diagnosis using these cutoffs. CONCLUSION Both low and high endometrial thickness thresholds in postmenopausal asymptomatic women seem equally effective in detecting endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia. However, although using a 3.0 to 5.9 mm cutoff results in a lower specificity, the offsetting improvement in sensitivity may justify using this cutoff for further endometrial evaluation in patients with suspected endometrial malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Riemma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy.
| | - Sergio Haimovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laniado University Hospital, Netanya, Israel
| | - Jose Carugno
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Luis Alonso Pacheco
- Unidad de Endoscopia Ginecológica, Centro Gutenberg, Hospital Xanit Internacional, Málaga, Spain
| | - Tirso Perez-Medina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, Autonoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Preston Parry
- Parryscope and Positive Steps Fertility, Madison, MS; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Peter Török
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jan Tesarik
- Molecular Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, MARGen Clinic, Granada, Spain
| | - Luigi Della Corte
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Cobellis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Franciscis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
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Cruz García AM, Pérez Morales E, Ocón Padrón L, Pérez Matos C, Santana Suárez A, Emergui Zrihen Y, Nieto Naya MÁ, Sánchez Sánchez V, Martín Martínez A. Asymptomatic endometrial thickening in postmenopausal women: predictor of malignant pathology? J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 43:2160928. [PMID: 36576124 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2160928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It is not standardised what is the endometrial thickness that discriminates between normal and potentially malignant. The objective of this study was to determine the endometrial thickness cut-off point from which the risk of endometrial cancer (EC) increases in asymptomatic postmenopausal women; and to evaluate the risk factors linked to malignant endometrial pathology as well as other associated ultrasound findings.This was a retrospective observational study that included hysteroscopies performed at the Hospital Materno-Infantil on 267 asymptomatic menopausal women with an increase in endometrial thickness (AET) >5 mm, from 2015 to 2019. The results shows that the prevalence of malignant pathology in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with a casual finding of endometrial thickening was 3.7%. This percentage was 16.3% when the cut-off point of AET was established at 10 mm. There was a significant association for the diagnosis of malignant pathology with this cut-off point.There is a significant association between the 10 mm endometrial thickness cut-off point from which the risk of EC increases in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Several studies have established the cut-off point for asymptomatic endometrial thickening (AET) for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer at 10 mm. Although no cut-off point has optimal accuracy for the diagnosis of malignant endometrial pathology, it has been found that with a cut-off value of AET >10 mm no cases are missed. Likewise, a cut-off point of AET > 11 mm may provide a balance between cancer detection and histopathological workup extension.What do the results of this study add? A significant association was found at the cut-off point of AET > 10 mm, which suggests that screening postmenopausal women at this thickness is acceptable and unlikely to miss cases of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? After analysing our results we can conclude, like other published studies, that by establishing a cut-off point of 10 mm we obtain a good discrimination between benign and malignant pathology, which would allow us to diagnose 100% of malignant pathology. Above this cut-off point, the risk of endometrial cancer increases, and it would therefore be advisable to extend the study. A multicentre study is needed to confirm the cut-off point at which the risk of endometrial cancer increases in postmenopausal women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba María Cruz García
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Pérez Morales
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ludmila Ocón Padrón
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristina Pérez Matos
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alejandra Santana Suárez
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yonit Emergui Zrihen
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Nieto Naya
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Victoria Sánchez Sánchez
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alicia Martín Martínez
- Service of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Zhang L, Guo Y, Qian G, Su T, Xu H. Value of endometrial thickness for the detection of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:517. [PMID: 36510213 PMCID: PMC9743752 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in screening endometrial cancer and hyperplasia is significant in postmenopausal women. The objective of this study is to determine the endometrium thickness (ET) cut-off to distinguish premalignancy and malignancy in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data of 968 eligible patients among 2537 asymptomatic postmenopausal women with ET ≥ 5 mm examined by TVS who were subjected to hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020 in an urban tertiary specialized hospital in China. The patients were divided into two groups according to the pathology outcomes: benign, and atypical hyperplasia (AH) and endometrial carcinoma (EC). The risk factors and the optimal cut-off of ET for detecting AH and EC were determined by logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS 2537 patients were offered hysteroscopy during a 42-month period. Finally, 968 patients were included for further analysis. Of these, 8 (0.8%) women were diagnosed with EC and 5 (0.5%) women with AH. The mean ET of AH and EC group was substantially higher than that in benign group (10.4 mm vs. 7.7 mm, P < 0.05). ET was significantly correlated with AH and EC shown by logistic regression analysis with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.252 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.107-1.416, P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value for AH and EC was found to be 8 mm with the maximum AUC of 0.715 (95% CI 0.686-0.743, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.846, a specificity of 0.609, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 2.164 and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.253. CONCLUSION An ET cut-off of ≥ 8 mm shows a reasonable performance to detect AH and EC in asymptomatic postmenopausal women, thereby avoiding more invasive endometrial biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ying Guo
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Guxia Qian
- Putuo District Maternity and Child Care Center, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Tao Su
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Hong Xu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Abstract
The objectives of this Clinical Expert Series on endometrial hyperplasia are to review the etiology and risk factors, histologic classification and subtypes, malignant progression risks, prevention options, and to outline both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Abnormal uterine and postmenopausal bleeding remain the hallmark of endometrial pathology, and up to 10-20% of postmenopausal bleeding will be either hyperplasia or cancer; thus, immediate evaluation of any abnormal bleeding with either tissue procurement for pathology or imaging should be undertaken. Although anyone with a uterus may develop atypical hyperplasia, also known as endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), genetic predispositions (eg, Lynch syndrome), obesity, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovarian syndrome all markedly increase these risks, whereas use of oral contraceptive pills or progesterone-containing intrauterine devices will decrease the risk. An EIN diagnosis carries a high risk of concomitant endometrial cancer or eventual progression to cancer in the absence of treatment. The definitive and curative treatment for EIN remains hysterectomy; however, the obesity epidemic, the potential desire for fertility-sparing treatments, the recognition of varying rates of malignant transformation, medical comorbidities, and an aging population all may factor into decisions to employ nonsurgical treatment modalities.
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12
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Yao L, Li C, Cheng J. The relationship between endometrial thickening and endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:2047-2054. [PMID: 36006486 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to investigate the relationship between endometrial thickening and endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women. METHODS Totally 390 postmenopausal patients with endometrial thickening ≥ 5 mm were enrolled from June 2016 to April 2020, among whom 188 patients were asymptomatic and 202 patients were symptomatic. RESULTS There were 50 cases with endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions and 150 cases with benign lesions in the symptomatic group, significantly higher than that in the asymptomatic group. The most common pathological type in the asymptomatic group was endometrial polyp. In the asymptomatic group, statistically significant differences were found in endometrial thickness between patients with endometrial cancer and precancerous lesion (group B) and those with benign lesions and non-organic lesions (group A). Statistically significant differences were also found in age, endometrial thickness, hypertension, full-term delivery time and miscarriage times between group A and group B. Regression analysis indicated that hypertension and endometrial thickness were independent risk factors for endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions in the symptomatic group. ROC analysis showed that 10.5 mm was the optimal threshold for predicting endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions in the asymptomatic group, with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 78.3%. CONCLUSION The incidence of endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions in postmenopausal women with endometrial thickening and vaginal bleeding is higher than that of asymptomatic women. The endometrial thickening in postmenopausal asymptomatic women is mainly benign, and the threshold for predicting endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions is 10.5 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yao
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Can Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongfang Hospital of Tongji University, No. 1800 Yuntai Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jingxin Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongfang Hospital of Tongji University, No. 1800 Yuntai Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200000, China.
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13
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Stewart A, Gill G, Readman E, Grover SR, Mooney SS. Determining a threshold measurement of endometrial thickness for asymptomatic postmenopausal women: A tertiary centre case series. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 62:887-893. [PMID: 35989428 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An incidental finding of a thickened endometrium on ultrasound in the postmenopausal patient without bleeding is a common presentation to gynaecological services; however there is limited evidence to guide clinical practice as to when hysteroscopic evaluation and endometrial sampling is required. AIMS To determine the endometrial thickness at which endometrial sampling is indicated in asymptomatic postmenopausal women referred with thickened endometrium on ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-centre retrospective case series of postmenopausal women without bleeding undergoing hysteroscopy was conducted. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between a range of variables and pre-malignant or malignant pathology and endometrial thickness. The optimal endometrial thickness threshold was identified to maximise model sensitivity. RESULTS A total of 404 postmenopausal women were included in this study, having undergone a hysteroscopy at the study site between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2018. The mean (SD) age of patients at presentation was 65 (9.09) years and the mean body mass index was 29.86 kg/m2 (6.52). Of these women, nine (2.2%) were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma and seven (1.7%) had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. The most common histopathological finding was of a benign endometrial polyp (153: 37.9%). When including hyperplasia with or without atypia in histopathology of interest, a cut-off of ≥9 mm provides the greatest sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (63.8%) for a diagnosis of pre-malignant or malignant pathology (classification accuracy of 64.8%; area under the receiver operating characteristic: 0.7358, 95% CI: 0.6439, 0.8278) in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS Using an endometrial thickness of ≥9 mm can be used as a cut-off for endometrial sampling in postmenopausal women without bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Stewart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peninsula Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gurjot Gill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Readman
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonia R Grover
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha S Mooney
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Clinicopathological features of endometrial lesions in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with thickened endometrium. Menopause 2022; 29:952-956. [PMID: 35881941 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical and pathological features of asymptomatic postmenopausal women with an incidentally detected increase in endometrial thickness (ET) by transvaginal ultrasound examination and discuss the cutoff value of ET for the timely discovery of endometrial malignancy. METHODS This was a retrospective study of postmenopausal women with asymptomatic thickened endometrium (greater than or equal to 5 mm) screened by transvaginal ultrasound who were referred to the gynecology department at Xuanwu Hospital between January 2018 and March 2021. Data on participant demographics, clinical characteristics, and histopathology outcomes were collected. We stratified the participants into the benign group and malignant group according to pathology results and assessed differences between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the cutoff value of ET for predicting endometrial malignancy in postmenopausal women with asymptomatic thickened endometrium. RESULTS A total of 163 eligible cases were included in the analysis. The results showed that only ET was significantly different between the two groups. The median ET was significantly higher in the malignant group than in the benign group (1.20 vs 0.80, P = 0.023). The optimal cutoff value of ET was 10 mmwith the maximum AUC (0.881, 95% CI 0.810-0.952, P = 0.024), and the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of endometrial malignancy were 100%and 80%, respectively. Among the 47 women with ET ≥ 10mm, the prevalence of endometrial malignancy was 6.3%, which was significantly higher than that among women with ET < 10mm ( P = 0.023). CONCLUSION For postmenopausal women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening, the prevalence of endometrial malignancy is significantly higher when ET is ≥ 10 mm. If ET is ≥ 10mm, further histopathological testing should be recommended to exclude endometrial malignancy. Further large-sample and prospective studies are needed to determine the predictive value of ET.
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15
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Cantalogo LR, Jammal MP, Gomes MKO, Murta EFC, Nomelini RS. Management of ultrasonographic endometrial thickness in postmenopausal asymptomatic women. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2022; 68:417-421. [PMID: 35442374 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Rodrigues Cantalogo
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Millena Prata Jammal
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Mariana Kefalás Oliveira Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Eddie Fernando Candido Murta
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Rosekeila Simões Nomelini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
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16
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Patrizi L, Ticconi C, Borelli B, Finocchiaro S, Chiaramonte C, Sesti F, Mauriello A, Exacoustos C, Casadei L. Clinical significance of endometrial abnormalities: an observational study on 1020 women undergoing hysteroscopic surgery. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:106. [PMID: 35392892 PMCID: PMC8991822 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall clinical significance of the finding of endometrial abnormalities in predicting premalignant/malignant endometrial lesions is still incompletely determined. For this reason the management, surgical or expectant, of women in which an endometrial abnormality has been detected is debated. METHODS This retrospective study was carried out on 1020 consecutive women, 403 premenopausal and 617 postmenopausal, who underwent operative hysteroscopy in a University Hospital for suspected endometrial abnormalities, which were detected by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and/or office hysteroscopy. In these women, the clinical characteristics and findings at TVS and hysteroscopy were evaluated in relation to the presence/absence of premalignant/malignant endometrial lesions at pathology report. RESULTS The clinical characteristics considered were significantly different when the study women were compared according to their menopausal status. Premalignant/malignant lesions were found in 34/1020 (3.33%) women. Complex hyperplasia with atypia and endometrial cancer were detected in 22 (2.15%) and 12 (1.17%) cases, respectively. The postmenopausal women had a significantly higher risk of premalignant/malignant lesions than premenopausal women (O.R. = 5.098 [95% C.I.: 1.782-14.582], P < 0.005). This risk was even higher when abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) was present (O.R. = 5.20 [95% C.I.: 2.38-11.35], P < 0.0001). The most significant associations with premalignant/malignant endometrial lesions were BMI, AUB in postmenopause, overall polyp size, atypical aspect of endometrial polyps at hysteroscopy, postmenopausal status, diabetes mellitus and patient age. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that the proper, aggressive or expectant, management of endometrial abnormalities should take into account both ultrasonographic and hysteroscopic findings together with the specific clinical characteristics of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodovico Patrizi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Borelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Finocchiaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Chiaramonte
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Sesti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Exacoustos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Casadei
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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17
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Morrison J, Balega J, Buckley L, Clamp A, Crosbie E, Drew Y, Durrant L, Forrest J, Fotopoulou C, Gajjar K, Ganesan R, Gupta J, Hughes J, Miles T, Moss E, Nanthakumar M, Newton C, Ryan N, Walther A, Taylor A. British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) uterine cancer guidelines: Recommendations for practice. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 270:50-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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18
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Li JXL, Chan F, Johansson CYM. Can a higher endometrial thickness threshold exclude endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women? A systematic review. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 62:190-197. [PMID: 34994399 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic postmenopausal women incidentally found to have thickened endometrium (>4 mm) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) often undergo hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage despite having a low absolute risk of endometrial cancer. A low threshold for investigation may be unnecessary in these women. AIM This systematic literature review examines whether an increased TVUS endometrial thickness threshold has superior diagnostic accuracy for endometrial malignancies and premalignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women than the current threshold of ≥4 mm. METHODS Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched using keywords for publications between 2011 and 2021. Studies were included if they reported TVUS endometrial thickness analysis in asymptomatic postmenopausal women and excluded if they were written in a non-English language. Quality of evidence in the included articles was evaluated according to recommendations by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation Working Group and reported results were tabulated. RESULTS Of seven studies (N = 2986), better evidence identified 12 mm as the optimal diagnostic threshold (area under the curve receiver operating characteristic (AUC ROC) 0.716, 95% CI 0.534-0.897, P = 0.019) for endometrial cancer in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Two higher quality studies (n = 488 and n = 4751) identified 11 mm as optimal for diagnosing both endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia (AUC ROC 0.587, 95% CI 0.465-0.708, P = 0.144 and 2.59 relative risk, 95% CI 1.66-4.05, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Evidence for improved detection of endometrial premalignancies and malignancies using alternative endometrial thickness thresholds is not rigorous. Evidence for improved outcomes using alternative thresholds is inadequate. Observation of asymptomatic postmenopausal women without risk factors and with an endometrial thickness of less than 10 mm may be reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica X L Li
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Felix Chan
- Westmead Private Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Macquarie University Hospital, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cherynne Yuin Mun Johansson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Bracco Suarez MB, Benetti-Pinto CL, Gibran L, Yela DA. Asymptomatic postmenopausal women: what are the risk factors for endometrial malignancies? A multicentric retrospective study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:853-856. [PMID: 33148069 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1843621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. METHODS Multicentric retrospective analytical study in two Brazilian Reference Centers. All women without postmenopausal bleeding who were submitted to hysteroscopy with biopsy were included (1665). Excluded women without anatomopathological results (625) and whose medical records were incomplete (37). The variables analyzed were age; parity; body mass index; duration of menopausal status; systemic arterial hypertension; diabetes mellitus; use of hormone replacement therapy; use of tamoxifen; duration of use of tamoxifen; endometrial thickness and biopsy results. RESULTS The frequency of endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women was 2.39%. Endometrial thickness ≥8 mm increased the chance of endometrial malignancies, even more, with an endometrial thickness ≥12.55 mm the chance of endometrial malignancies increased by 4.68 times (p < .001 and 95% CI: 1.99-11.03). CONCLUSION The prevalence of endometrial malignancies was low and the only risk factor for endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women was endometrial thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatriz Bracco Suarez
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Cristina Laguna Benetti-Pinto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luciano Gibran
- Reference Center for Women's Health, Pérola Byington Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Angerame Yela
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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20
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Aggarwal A, Hatti A, Tirumuru SS, Nair SS. Management of asymptomatic postmenopausal women referred to outpatient hysteroscopy service with incidental finding of thickened endometrium - A UK District General Hospital Experience. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2021; 28:1725-1729. [PMID: 33610754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review the management and outcome of asymptomatic postmenopausal women with increased endometrial thickness as there is lack of robust guidance for the same. DESIGN Retrospective case series over a period of 2 years. SETTING District general hospital. PATIENTS Eighty-three. INTERVENTIONS No prospective interventions were done. Only a review of the interventions done in an outpatient setting, namely, hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling, was carried out. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Retrospective review of 1453 referrals to outpatient hysteroscopy service over a period of 2 years was carried out, and 83 patients referred with asymptomatic thickened endometrium on imaging were identified. Patients underwent hysteroscopy on the basis of the local policy, that is, if the endometrial thickness was more than 10 mm or in the presence of additional risk factors. The yield rate of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia was 1.2% and 2.4%, respectively, among all patients (n = 83). The yield rate of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia was 1.81% and 3.63%, respectively, among patients referred with endometrial thickness ≤10 mm after considering other risk factors. CONCLUSION It is reasonable to use endometrial thickness of 10 mm or above as a cutoff threshold to offer endometrial biopsy or outpatient hysteroscopy for asymptomatic postmenopausal women. For asymptomatic women with endometrial thickness between 4 and 10 mm, decisions about further investigations should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account any risk factors for endometrial pathology. As this study had a reasonably good sample size, it can contribute toward formulation of robust guidance for management of postmenopausal women with asymptomatic endometrial thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Aggarwal
- Department of Gynaecology, New Cross Hospital, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (all authors).
| | - Archana Hatti
- Department of Gynaecology, New Cross Hospital, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (all authors)
| | - Sakunthala Sahithi Tirumuru
- Department of Gynaecology, New Cross Hospital, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (all authors)
| | - Sabita Sivaraman Nair
- Department of Gynaecology, New Cross Hospital, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (all authors)
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21
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Simonsen M, Mantoan H, Faloppa CC, Kumagai LY, Badiglian Filho L, Machado AG, Tayfour NM, Baiocchi G. Residual Disease after Operative Hysteroscopy in Patients with Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Associated with Polyps. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2021; 43:35-40. [PMID: 33513634 PMCID: PMC10183887 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of residual disease in the uterine specimen after hysteroscopic polypectomy or polyp biopsy in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS We analyzed a series of 104 patients (92 cases from the Hospital AC Camargo and 12 from the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo) with polyps that were diagnosed by hysteroscopy, showing endometrioid EC associated with the polyp or in the final pathological specimen. Patients underwent a surgical approach for endometrial cancer from January 2002 to January 2017. Their clinical and pathological data were retrospectively retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS In 78 cases (75%), the polyp had EC, and in 40 (38.5%), it was restricted to the polyp, without endometrial involvement. The pathologic stage was IA in 96 cases (92.3%) and 90 (86.5%) had histologic grade 1 or 2. In 18 cases (17.3%), there was no residual disease in the final uterine specimen, but only in 9 of them the hysteroscopy suggested that the tumor was restricted to the polyp. In 5 cases (4.8%) from the group without disease outside of the polyp during hysteroscopy, myometrial invasion was noted in the final uterine specimen. This finding suggests the possibility of disease extrapolation through the base of the polyp. CONCLUSION Patients with endometrioid EC associated with polyps may have the tumor completely removed during hysteroscopy, but the variables shown in the present study could not safely predict which patient would have no residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Simonsen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique Mantoan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Guerreiro Machado
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Najla Mohamed Tayfour
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Glauco Baiocchi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hospital AC Camargo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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22
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CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES OF ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASTIC PROCESSES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2021-2-76-23-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Rendón-Becerra CA, Gómez-Bravo A, Erazo-Narváez AF, Ortiz-Martínez RA. [Diagnostic accuracy of a hysteroscopic score for the detection of endometrial cancer in patients with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickening]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 71:237-246. [PMID: 33247887 DOI: 10.18597/rcog.3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopic scores in endometrial cancer. METHODS Diagnostic accuracy study assembled within a cross-sectional study that included patients with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickening greater than 5 mm in whom hysteroscopy was performed and then compared with endometrial biopsy as the diagnostic gold standard, in two high complexity hospitals. Clinical, sociodemographic variables, as well as hysteroscopic scores and the results of endometrial tissue histopathology were measured. Sensitivity and specificity, likelihood ratios and area under the curve with their respective confidence intervals were estimated in the analysis. RESULTS With a 9 % prevalence of endometrial cancer, the hysteroscopic assessment system was shown to have 75 % sensitivity (95 % CI; 30.1- 95.43), 95,1 % specificity (95 % CI; 83.9-98.7), a positive likelihood ratio of 15.38 (95 %; CI 3.55- 66.56), a negative likelihood ratio of 0.26 and area under the curve of 85 %. CONCLUSIONS The standardized hysteroscopic assessment system was found to have an acceptable sensitivity for screening in patients with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickening (≥ 5 mm). Further studies with larger sample sizes are required in order to arrive at a more precise estimation of the operational characteristics of the hysteroscopic assessment system for the detection of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Augusto Rendón-Becerra
- Médico cirujano, especialista ginecología y obstetricia; cirugía endoscópica ginecológica, Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán
| | - Alex Gómez-Bravo
- Médico general, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán
| | | | - Roberth Alirio Ortiz-Martínez
- Médico cirujano, especialista ginecología y obstetricia; magíster en Epidemiología, Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán
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24
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Ghoubara A, Sundar S, Ewies AAA. Black women with postmenopausal bleeding have lower prevalence of endometrial cancer than other ethnic groups. Climacteric 2019; 22:632-636. [PMID: 31104512 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2019.1606794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Modern medical practice strives for a personalized approach to patient care. The evidence regarding the prevalence of endometrial cancer in various ethnic groups is scarce and conflicting. This study was conducted to determine this prevalence in postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) women. Methods: Data for 1995 women attending PMB clinics over a 4-year period were prospectively collected. Women were grouped according to self-assigned ethnicity into 'White', 'Black', 'South Asian' and 'Others', and according to investigation results into group 1 (benign findings) and group 2 (hyperplasia or cancer). Results: The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for Black ethnicity was 0.35 (0.17-72; p = 0.001). This means that Black women had 65% (28-83%) less odds for developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer compared to White women, independent of other predictors. Compared to White ethnicity, women in all ethnic groups were significantly younger at presentation with PMB, had shorter duration since last menstrual period, and were less likely to be diabetic (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found significantly lower prevalence of endometrial cancer in the Black race in a population of PMB women, a finding that cannot be readily explained by other known risk factors. Further research is warranted to confirm the results and explore the underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ghoubara
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Aswan University , Aswan , Egypt.,Gynaecology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust , Birmingham , UK
| | - S Sundar
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK.,Gynaecology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust , Birmingham , UK
| | - A A A Ewies
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK.,Gynaecology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust , Birmingham , UK
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25
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Ghoubara A, Price MJ, Fahmy MSED, Ait-Allah AS, Ewies A. Prevalence of hyperplasia and cancer in endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Post Reprod Health 2019; 25:86-94. [PMID: 30845879 DOI: 10.1177/2053369119833583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is wide variation in reporting the prevalence of hyperplasia and cancer in endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding. Most studies reported heterogenous populations of pre- and postmenopausal women both symptomatic and asymptomatic, making data interpretation difficult. The aim of this work is to quantify the prevalence of hyperplasia and cancer in polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding aiming to produce data that help inform clinical practice as whether it is safer to remove all polyps, or some women could be offered expectant management. The search terms used were Medical Subject Headings terms, text words, truncations and word variations of the words or phrases ‘endometrial polyp’ or ‘uterine polyp’ or ‘womb polyp’ and ‘postmenopause’ or ‘menopause’. Search was limited to human studies and English language articles. Studies reporting separate analysis for women with postmenopausal bleeding were included. The included articles were assessed for risk of bias using the ‘Quality in Prognosis Studies’ tool. The prevalence was estimated with a random effect model using ‘DerSimonian and Laird’ method. The pooled estimate of prevalence of hyperplasia and cancer was 9% (95% confidence interval: 6.5%–11.5%). An I2 statistic of 77.2% suggests likely substantial heterogeneity. However, adjustment for small study effects had no influence on the pooled prevalence estimate suggesting no evidence for publication bias. Sensitivity analyses showed that no study exerted a big influence on the pooled estimate. The prevalence of hyperplasia and cancer in endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding is high enough to warrant removal for accurate histopathological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ghoubara
- 1 University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,2 Gynaecology department, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.,3 Gynaecology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Malcolm James Price
- 1 University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,4 NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Ayman Ewies
- 1 University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,3 Gynaecology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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