Pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients with endometrial hyperplasia with or without atypia undergoing in vitro fertilization: the early-follicular long protocol is superior to midluteal long protocol

Background

Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile patients with endometrial hyperplasia is common after drug treatment, the pregnancy outcomes are often unsatisfactory. Till date, no studies have reported the outcome of patients with endometrial hyperplasia treated using early-follicular long (EL) protocol and midluteal long (ML) protocol.

Objective

To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes and disease prognosis of patients with endometrial hyperplasia with or without atypia undergoing IVF treatment with EL protocol or ML protocol.

Methods

This was a retrospective study in university-affiliated reproductive medical center. A total of 138 patients with endometrial hyperplasia undergoing IVF treatment were included to compare the pregnancy outcomes and disease prognosis between EL and ML protocols. We further matched 276 patients with normal endometrium to compare the pregnancy outcomes between patients with endometrial hyperplasia and patients with normal endometrium under different controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol.

Results

In patients with endometrial hyperplasia, the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were significantly higher in EL protocol than in ML protocol (61.8% vs. 43.5%, P=0.032; 50.0% vs. 30.6%, P= 0.022). In the ML protocol, patients with endometrial hyperplasia had significantly lower CPR and LBR than those with normal endometrium (43.5% vs. 59.7%, P=0.037; 30.6% vs. 49.2%, P=0.016). While in the EL protocol, they achieved similar CPR and LBR as patients with normal endometrium (61.8% vs. 69.7%, P=0.232; 50.0% vs. 59.9%, P=0.156). In patients with endometrial hyperplasia, COS protocol was an independent factor affecting clinical pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.479; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.154-5.327) and live birth (adjusted OR 2.730; 95% CI 1.249-5.966). After 1-10 years of follow-up, no significant difference was found in the recurrence rate of endometrial lesions between both treatment groups.

Conclusions

For patients with endometrial hyperplasia undergoing IVF treatment, the EL protocol is superior to ML protocol, and in the EL protocol, they can achieve similar pregnancy outcomes as patients with normal endometrium.

Diagnosis and management of endometrial hyperplasia: A UK national audit of adherence to national guidance 2012-2020

BACKGROUND

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a precusor lesion for endometrial cancer (EC), the commonest gynaecological malignancy in high-income countries. EH is a proliferation of glandular tissue, classified as either non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NEH) or, if the cytological features are abnormal, atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). The clinical significance of AEH is that patients face both a high risk of having occult EC and a high risk of progression to EC if untreated. Recommendations on the care of women with EH were introduced by United Kingdom-wide guidance (Green-top Guide No. 67, 2016). National adherence to guidance is unknown. We aimed to describe the care of patients with EH; to compare the patterns of care for those with EH with national guidance to identify opportunities for quality improvement; and to compare patterns of care prior to and following the introduction of national guidance to understand its impact.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In this UK-wide patient-level clinical audit, we included 3,307 women who received a new histological diagnosis of EH through a gynaecology service between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2020. We described first-line management, management at 2 years, and surgical characteristics prior to and following national guidance for EH using proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared process measures between time periods using multilevel Poisson regression. Of the 3,307 patients, 1,570 had NEH and 1,511 had AEH between 2012 and 2019. An additional 85 patients had NEH and 141 had AEH during 2020. Prior to national guidance, 9% (95% CI [6%, 15%]) received no initial treatment for NEH compared with 3% (95% CI [1%, 5%]) post-guidance; 31% (95% CI [26%, 36%]) and 48% (95% CI [43% 53%]) received an intrauterine progestogen, respectively, in the same periods. The predominant management of women with AEH did not differ, with 68% (95% CI [61%, 74%]) and 67% (95 CI [63%, 71%]) receiving first-line hysterectomy, respectively. By 2 years, follow-up to histological regression without hysterectomy increased from 38% (95% CI [33%, 43%]) to 52% (95% CI [47%, 58%]) for those with NEH (rate ratio (RR) 1.38, 95% CI [1.18, 1.63] p < 0.001). We observed an increase in the use of total laparoscopic hysterectomy among those with AEH (RR 1.26, 95% CI [1.04, 1.52]). In the later period, 37% (95% CI [29%, 44%]) of women initially diagnosed with AEH who underwent a first-line hysterectomy, received an upgraded diagnosis of EC. Study limitations included retrospective data collection from routine clinical documentation and the inability to comprehensively understand the shared decision-making process where care differed from guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

The care of patients with EH has changed in accordance with national guidance. More women received first-line medical management of NEH and were followed up to histological regression. The follow-up of those with AEH who do not undergo hysterectomy must be improved, given their very high risk of coexistent cancer and high risk of developing cancer.

Impacts of ovarian reserve on conservative treatment for endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia

Objectives

Real-world data indicated that some endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and early endometrial carcinoma (EEC) patients of fertility preservation had a normal ovarian reserve, while some had a decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). This study was designed to investigate the effect of baseline ovarian reserve on the treatment of EAH and EEC patients who ask for preservation of fertility.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a single university-affiliated fertility center. A total of 102 EAH and EEC patients who received fertility-preserving treatment between March 2019 and August 2020 were included and divided into a DOR group (n=22) and a non-DOR group (n=80).

Results

The 32-week CR rate of the non-DOR group was significantly higher than that of the DOR group (60.3% vs. 33.3%, P =0.028). The DOR group had a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than the non-DOR group (40.07 vs. 29.71 weeks, P=0.008, HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.86). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that DOR (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.99, P=0.049) and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.92, P=0.031) were negatively associated with 32-week CR.

Conclusions

Decreased baseline ovarian reserve is negatively correlated with the efficacy of fertility-preserving treatment in EAH and EEC patients, as this group has a lower CR rate and a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than those without DOR.

[Analyze of obesity indicators and effect of fertility preservation treatment in patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of obesity indicators in patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and early endometrial cancer (EC) and analyze the relationship between these indexes and effect of fertility preservation therapy. Methods: The clinical data of patients with EAH, EC and endometrial benign lesions treated in Peking University People's Hospital from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 who required fertility-sparing treatment were collected, and obesity indicators were calculated and analyzed retrospectively. Results: (1) Obesity indicators: the obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m²] rate of patients with fertility preservation treatment was 40% (32/80), and abdominal obesity [waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm] rate was 79% (63/80), and obesity indicators [BMI, WC, waist-hip ratio (WHR), weight height ratio (WHTR), body roundness index (BRI), lipid accumulation index (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI)] were higher than those with endometrial benign lesions (all P<0.001). (2) Related factors affecting the efficacy of fertility preservation treatment and their predictive value: EC, higher BMI, WC, WHR, WHTR and BRI were risk factors for lower complete remission rate after nine months' treatment (all P<0.05). The predictive values of BRI and WHTR combined with pathological type were superior to other indicators [area under the curve (AUC)=0.716; AUC=0.714]. (3) Relation of obesity indicators and glucolipid indicators:BMI, WC, WHR, WHTR, BRI, LAP and VAI were positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, glycosylated hemoglobin, and triacylglycerol (all P<0.05); while VAI was negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001). Conclusions: For patients with EAH and EC treated with fertility preservation therapy, abnormal obesity indexes affect the treatment effect. BRI and WHTR combined pathology have good predictive value for effect of fertility preservation treatment. In clinical practice, appropriate indicators could be selected to evaluate body shape, glucolipid metabolism and predict efficacy.

Stem Cells and the Endometrium: From the Discovery of Adult Stem Cells to Pre-Clinical Models

Adult stem cells (ASCs) were long suspected to exist in the endometrium. Indeed, several types of endometrial ASCs were identified in rodents and humans through diverse isolation and characterization techniques. Putative stromal and epithelial stem cell niches were identified in murine models using label-retention techniques. In humans, functional methods (clonogenicity, long-term culture, and multi-lineage differentiation assays) and stem cell markers (CD146, SUSD2/W5C5, LGR5, NTPDase2, SSEA-1, or N-cadherin) facilitated the identification of three main types of endogenous endometrial ASCs: stromal, epithelial progenitor, and endothelial stem cells. Further, exogenous populations of stem cells derived from bone marrow may act as key effectors of the endometrial ASC niche. These findings are promoting the development of stem cell therapies for endometrial pathologies, with an evolution towards paracrine approaches. At the same time, promising therapeutic alternatives based on bioengineering have been proposed.

Fertility preservation in early-stage endometrial cancer and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: A single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to define the pregnancy and oncologic outcomes after fertility-sparing treatment of atypical hyperplasia (AH)/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The retrospective cohort study included patients who had applied to Başkent University's Ankara Hospital between January 2007 and October 2018 with either AH/EIN (n: 27; Group A) or EEC (n: 30; Group B), and who had the desire to preserve their fertility. The medical records of all patients included in the study were reviewed retrospectively from the hospital records.

RESULTS

There were 2 (7.4%) and 5 (16.7%) recurrences, whereby one patient from Group A and two patients from Group B underwent staging surgery. In Group A, 8 patients attempted pregnancy after their treatment and 4 of them (50%) became pregnant, while 3 of them (37.5%) had a live birth. In Group B, there were 17 patients who wanted to become pregnant following treatment of the disease; 8 of them (47%) became pregnant after treatment, 5 of them (16.6%) had a live birth, 1 experienced intrauterine exitus (at 21st gestational week, 350 g), and 2 currently have ongoing pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopic resection of visible lesions and full endometrial curettage prior to hormonal therapy as a fertility-preserving approach for women of reproductive age with endometrial malignancies can achieve promising oncologic and obstetric responses.

Diabetes mellitus and responsiveness of endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer to conservative treatment

Objective: The conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (HWA), atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AH/EIN) and early endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) is based on progestins. We aimed to assess whether diabetes mellitus affects the responsiveness of HWA, AH/EIN and EEC to conservative treatment, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Study design: Electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the outcome of conservative treatment in HWA, AH/EIN and EEC, stratified based on the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The association of diabetes mellitus with treatment failure was assessed by using odds ratio (OR). A p-value  < .05 was considered significant. The risk of publication bias was assessed by using a funnel plot. A subgroups analyses was performed based on histologic diagnosis of benignity (HWA) or premalignancy/malignancy (AH/EIN or EEC). Results: Six studies with 876 patients (383 HWA, 365 AH/EIN and 128 EEC) were included. Overall, diabetes mellitus was not associated with outcome of treatment (OR = 1.20; p = .62). The association was not significant in both the HWA subgroup (OR = 0.95; p = .93) and in AH/EIN and EEC subgroup (OR = 1.43; p = .46). There was no significant risk of publication bias. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus does not affect the outcome of conservative treatment in HWA, AH/EIN and EEC.

National patterns of care and fertility outcomes for reproductive-aged women with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Although it is uncommon, the incidence of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia among reproductive-aged women is increasing. The fertility outcomes in this population are not well described.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to describe the patterns of care and fertility outcomes of reproductive-aged women with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of women aged ≤45 years with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia diagnosed in 2000 to 2014 were identified in Truven Marketscan, an insurance claims database of commercially insured patients in the United States. Treatment information, including use of progestin therapy, hysterectomy, and assisted fertility services, was identified and collected using a combination of Common Procedural Terminology codes, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes, and National Drug Codes. Pregnancy events were identified from claims data using a similar technique. Patients were categorized as receiving progestin therapy alone, progestin therapy followed by hysterectomy, or standard surgical management with hysterectomy alone. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with receiving fertility-sparing treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 4007 reproductive-aged patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia were identified. The majority of these patients (n = 3189; 79.6%) received standard surgical management. Of the 818 patients treated initially with progestins, 397 (48.5%) subsequently underwent hysterectomy, whereas 421 (51.5%) did not. Patients treated with progestin therapy had a lower median age than those who received standard surgical management (median age, 36 vs 41 years; P < .001). The proportion of patients receiving progestin therapy increased significantly over the observation period, with 24.9% treated at least initially with progestin therapy in 2014 (P < .001). Multivariable analysis shows that younger age, a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia diagnosis rather than endometrial cancer, and diagnosis later in the study period were all associated with a greater likelihood of receiving progestin therapy (P < .0001). Among the 421 patients who received progestin therapy alone, 92 patients (21.8%; 92/421) had 131 pregnancies, including 49 live births for a live birth rate of 11.6%. Among the 397 patients treated with progestin therapy followed by hysterectomy, 25 patients (6.3%; 25/397) had 34 pregnancies with 13 live births. The median age of patients who experienced a live birth following diagnosis during the study period was 36 years (interquartile range, 33-38). The use of some form of assisted fertility services was observed in 15.5% patients who were treated with progestin therapy. Among patients who experienced any pregnancy event following diagnosis, 54% of patients used some form of fertility treatment. For patients who experienced a live birth following diagnosis, 50% of patients received fertility treatment. Median time to live birth following diagnosis was 756 days (interquartile range, 525-1077). Patients treated with progestin therapy were more likely to experience a live birth if they had used assisted fertility services (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-10.1; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The number of patients who received fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia increased over time. However, the proportion of women who experience a live birth following these diagnoses is relatively small.

Conservative management of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia in a patient with cirrhosis undergoing orthotopic liver transplant

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to review the management of endometrial hyperplasia in a woman undergoing liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis.

METHODS

This is a case presentation on a postmenopausal woman with a tissue diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia managed with a levonorgestrel intrauterine device, before and after liver transplantation. Full written informed consent was obtained from the patient to present her case.

RESULTS

The patient experienced resolution of her endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia with conversion to atrophic endometrium after management with levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

CONCLUSIONS

A large percentage of women with cirrhosis experience abnormal uterine bleeding, which may be due to the coagulopathy that accompanies liver disease, or endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma. Although hysterectomy is the criterion standard of treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia in a postmenopausal woman, patients with cirrhosis severe enough to require transplant are usually poor surgical candidates. Multiple studies have shown success with conservative management of atypical hyperplasia. There is a paucity of literature on managing patients undergoing transplant with abnormal uterine bleeding and it is therefore important to highlight conservative management options for this patient population.

Cancer Incidence in Patients with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia Managed by Primary Hysterectomy or Fertility-sparing Treatment

AIM

To compare the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma (EC) in young women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) undergoing fertility-sparing management compared to women treated by primary hysterectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicentric retrospective study, 111 patients with a diagnosis of AEH by endometrial biopsy were included. EC incidence was compared in two groups: 32 patients treated with fertility-sparing management and 79 older patients treated with primary hysterectomy.

RESULTS

The rates of EC diagnosed by pathology of hysterectomy specimens were comparable between the groups. The probability of developing EC at 12, 24 and 36 months were 14%, 21% and 26%, respectively, in patients managed conservatively, and 29%, 37% and 37%, respectively, in patients treated with primary hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing management of AEH does not increase the risk of diagnosing EC from the hysterectomy specimen.

Genital Cancers in Women: Uterine Cancer

There are two main types of uterine cancer. Endometrial carcinoma, the most commonly diagnosed genital cancer in women, accounts for most cases (more than 95%) and sarcoma comprises the remainder. Endometrial cancer primarily occurs in postmenopausal women. Risk factors include exposure to high levels of endogenous estrogen (eg, obesity, nulliparity, late menopause) or exogenous estrogen (eg, hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen) and pelvic radiation. Genetics are involved in a small percentage of cases, notably among women in families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). More than 80% of patients with endometrial cancers present with abnormal uterine bleeding. Endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound are the first-line tests to evaluate bleeding. If the endometrial lining is thickened on ultrasound, endometrial biopsy is indicated. If symptoms persist after negative biopsy results, or if biopsy results are inadequate, hysteroscopy is performed for tissue sampling. Most patients with endometrial cancer are diagnosed early, when cancer is confined to the uterus. Hysterectomy is the treatment of choice in such cases. Treatment of advanced disease involves radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Perimenopausal women should be informed that abnormal bleeding could be a sign of cancer and should be evaluated. However, no routine screening is recommended except for women with HNPCC.

Complex atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium: differences in outcome following conservative management of pre- and postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and regression rates of conservative treatments for complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) between pre- and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Historical cohort study of pre- and postmenopausal women with CAH managed conservatively at one center (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) between September 1999 to June 2012.

RESULTS

Of the 153 women with CAH, 92 (60%) underwent hysterectomy and the remaining 61 were managed conservatively with oral or intrauterine progestogen: 42 were premenopausal and 19 were postmenopausal. Within 12 months, 32 (76%) premenopausal women demonstrated regression of CAH and none developed endometrial cancer. In contrast, only 4 (21%) postmenopausal women showed disease regression and 4 (21%) progressed to endometrial cancer. Over a median of 24 months, 3 premenopausal women relapsed with CAH and 2 developed endometrial cancer. Four premenopausal women had successful pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment with progestogen in premenopausal women with CAH leads to high regression rates within the first 12 months. In contrast, postmenopausal women have high rates of ongoing disease and cancer progression and conservative therapy should be avoided.

Impact of obesity on the results of fertility-sparing management for atypical hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of obesity on reproductive and oncologic outcomes on the success of fertility-sparing management.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter cohort study included women treated conservatively for atypical hyperplasia (AH) and endometrial cancer (EC) to preserve fertility. Five inclusion criteria were defined: (i) the presence of AH or grade 1 EC confirmed by two pathologists; (ii) adequate radiological examination before conservative management; (iii) available body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of treatment; and (iv) a minimum follow-up time of six months.

RESULTS

Forty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (17 had EC, and 23 had AH), mean age and BMI were 33 years and 29kg/m(2) respectively. Among the 15 obese patients, after medical treatment, 10 patients responded (67%) and three relapsed, whereas in the 25 non-obese patients, 19 responded (76%) and three relapsed (p=0.72). The overall pregnancy rate and follow-up time were 35% and 35 months respectively. Among the 15 obese patients, after medical treatment, two patients became pregnant, whereas in the 25 non-obese patients, 12 became pregnant (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Despite similar response and recurrence rates, our results suggest that fertility-sparing management for AH and EC is associated with a lower probability of pregnancy in obese patients.

Management and clinical outcomes of endometrial hyperplasia during a 13-year period in Songklanagarind Hospital

BACKGROUND

Endometrial hyperplasia has long been considered a precursor of endometrial cancer but there is no consensus regarding its management.

OBJECTIVE

To identify management practices and evaluate outcomes of treatments for women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia (EH).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical records of endometrial hyperplasia at Songklanagarind Hospital between January 2000 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety seven patients were diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia during the study period. Four patients who did not come for treatment and could not be contacted were excluded Therefore, 293 patients were included in the study. Simple hyperplasia (SH) was the most common diagnosis accounting for 79.2% of all cases, followed by complex hyperplasia (CH) 13.0%, complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) 5.8%, and simple atypical hyperplasia (SAH) 2.0%. Seventy-eight percent (18/23) of the patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were treated by hysterectomy compared with 9.6% (26/270) of patients without atypia. Of the patients diagnosed with atypical EH, 30.4% (7/23) were associated with endometrial carcinoma. Overall, 6% (12/201) of the women who had initial non-hysterectomy management and had additional tissue taken to assess response, had persistent disease, and 1% (2/201) had progressive disease. Eleven patients (5.9%), who had an initial complete regression during the non-hysterectomy management, experienced a recurrence to EH and 2.1% (4/187) were found to have recurrence to endometrial cancer

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with atypical hyperplasia were managed by initial hysterectomy. The high risk of concomitant endometrial cancer supports this choice of treatment. In the non-atypical EH, the initial non-hysterectomy management was common but EH recurrence and progression to endometrial cancer after the initial regression occurs often. Therefore, long-term follow-up should be advised.

[Preinvasive lesions in gynaecology - endometrium]

Preinvasive lesions of the endometrium are histopathological and molecular alterations related to high-risk of uterine carcinoma development. Incidence has increasing tendency. Atypical endometrial hyperplasia is the preinvasive lesion of type I endometrial carcinoma, developing under a hyperestrogenic background. Carcinoma in situ of the endometrium is considered to be precursor lesion of type II endometrial carcinoma, first of all uterine serous carcinoma. Hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy is the main therapeutical modality in both preinvasive lesions of the endometrium. The hormonal therapy with progestogens is the possibility of fertility sparing approach in treatment of histological findings of atypical endometrial hyperplasia in young women. Even though preinvasive lesions of the endometrium are clearly defined, the possibilities of endometrial cancer screening are markedly limited.

Management of endometrial hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia is a commonly seen clinical entity. A great majority of patients present with abnormal uterine bleeding. Unopposed estrogen either from an endogenous or exogenous source is the most important etiologic factor. Etiologic evaluation and cause specific treatment is a must for these patients instead of direct biopsies and treatments. Clinical importance of this pathological entity is the underlying risk of carrying a concomitant genital cancer and the potential risk of progression to endometrial carcinoma during the follow-up. Despite to a great effort on research and a long history of the disease in the medical literature; we still do not have a practical and accurate system available to use during daily practice in order to differentiate the real precancerous lesions. Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia depends on the patient's age, fertility desire and the type of present hyperplasia. Progestagens are still the most commonly used medical treatment modality in these patients. Response rates are higher in cases without atypia. In selected cases, hysterectomy may be performed as a definitive treatment modality. In this review article current management of the endometrial hyperplasia is summarized in the light of associated literature.

Current management of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN)

Endometrial hyperplasia is a commonly seen disorder in daily gynecology practice. The clinical importance of this pathological entity is the underlying risk of carrying a concomittant genital cancer or risk of progression to endometrial carcinoma during the follow-up. Despite recent advances in non-invasive techniques to define underlying endometrial cancer during the initial diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia, none of these studies are conclusive yet. Today, in spite of intense discussions and related studies which aimed to define certain prognostic factors (WHO94 vs EIN) to predict cases that would progress to cancer, we still do not have a practical and accurate system available to use during daily practice. Treatment of endometrial hyperplasias depends on the patient's age, fertility desire and the type of hyperplasia. Progestagens are still the most commonly used medical treatment modality in these patients. Response rates are higher for cases without atypia. In selected cases, hysterectomy may be performed as a definitive treatment modality. In this review article, the current management of endometrial hyperplasias is summarized in light of the associated literature. We also give a brief overview of the EIN classification and its clinical importance.

Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain: Unraveling the Mystery Behind this Complex Condition

Nurses often encounter patients with chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, which is a puzzling and problematic gynecologic condition that has continued to plague women and baffle doctors and researchers worldwide since it was first identified by Dr. J. Sampson in the 1920s (Sampson, 1940 ). Endometriosis is defined as the growth, adhesion and progression of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity, with cellular activity evident in lesions, nodules, cysts or endometriomas (Audebert et al., 1992 ). Although it typically appears benign on histopathology, endometriosis has been likened to a malignant tumor since the lesions grow, infiltrate and adhere to adjacent tissues and interfere with physiologic processes (Kitawaki et al., 2002 ; Noble, Simpson, Johns, & Bulun, 1996 ). Ectopic endometriotic growths respond to cyclic changes of estrogen and proliferate and shed in a manner similar to eutopic endometrium. This cyclic ectopic activity results in internal bleeding, formation of scar tissue, inflammation and sometimes debilitating chronic pain (Kitawaki et al.).

Progression of conservatively treated endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia in a young woman: a case report

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of progression of endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) to extrauterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma in a patient who had requested fertility-sparing management.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute "Regina Elena," Rome, Italy.

PATIENT(S)

A nulliparous 36-year-old woman with endometrial CAH who decided on a conservative approach.

INTERVENTION(S)

Conservative hysteroscopic resection of the lesion, the surrounding endometrium, and underlying myometrium plus hormone therapy regimen of megestrol acetate (160 mg) daily for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Failure of the conservative therapy and progression of disease.

RESULT(S)

Eighteen months after fertility-sparing management, a laparoscopic operation revealed grade 2 endometrium adenocarcinoma with superficial myometrial invasion and a microscopic metastasis of the left ovary and Douglas peritoneum. The patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy followed by external beam radiation of the pelvis and brachytherapy. Twenty-five months after, she was free of disease.

CONCLUSION(S)

Conservative therapy is feasible in carefully selected young women with endometrial CAH. However, close follow-up is required because of possible progression to endometrial cancer.

Combined phospho-Akt and PTEN expressions associated with post-treatment hysterectomy after conservative progestin therapy in complex atypical hyperplasia and stage Ia, G1 adenocarcinoma of the endometrium

Young patients with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or stage Ia, G1 adenocarcinoma (IaG1) of the endometrium, who desire to preserve fertility, can select the conservative therapy by oral progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). However, conservative treatments involve potential risks of progression and recurrence. In an attempt to find out molecular markers for sensitivity to MPA, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of PTEN, phospho-Akt, p53, ER and PgR in MPA-treated 31 cases with CAH or IaG1. Eleven of 12 cases (92%) with CAH and 15 of 19 cases (79%) with IaG1 demonstrated an initial complete response, while five patients underwent hysterectomy due to no response. Four of 11 responders (36%) with CAH and five of 15 responders (33%) with IaG1 later developed relapse. Five of nine patients (56%) with CAH and three of 11 patients (27%) with IaG1 became pregnant after infertility treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that phospho-Akt expression was significantly decreased by MPA administration (p=0.002). Furthermore, combination of two factors, weak phosho-Akt or PTEN-null expression, was found to be significantly associated with receiving hysterectomy (p=0.04), while each factor showed a trend without statistical significance (p=0.07 and 0.2, respectively). Strong expression of both ER and PgR significantly correlated with successful pregnancy after infertility treatment following complete response to MPA (p=0.02). Our observations in vivo suggest that anti-tumor action of MPA may be mediated by dephosphorylation of Akt, and that immunohistochemical evaluation of phospho-Akt and PTEN may be able to predict the outcome of MPA therapy.

Canine pyometra

Pyometra, literally meaning pus in the uterus, is a common disease entity of intact bitches. Similar conditions occur, including hydrometra and mucometra [De Bosschere H, Ducatelle R, Vermeirsch H, Van Den Broeck W, Coryn M. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in the bitch: should the two entities be disconnected? Theriogenology 2001;55:1509-19]. The exact etiology is unknown; however the repeated and prolonged response to estrogen followed by long intervals of progesterone dominance in the intact bitch leads to hormonally mediated changes in the endometrium. The endometrium changes when impacted by bacterial infiltration; changes in endometrial steroid receptors can result in the clinical syndrome described as pyometra. This paper will describe the signalment, risk factors, prevalence, proposed etiologic events, and both medical and surgical therapies. In addition, the prognosis for successful outcome and effects on future reproduction will also be described.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in cats. A review

Presentation of complex cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra is not very common in cats. As in bitches, hormonal influences result in environmental and histological changes in the uterus leading to predisposition to bacterial growth. Its influence on the organism provokes certain clinical signs. Diagnosis and treatment must be fast and aggressive. Depending on the clinical status and queen purpose, it can be both surgical or medical. Both of them offer a high rate of success if the detailed protocols are followed.

The management of endometrial hyperplasia: an evaluation of current practice

OBJECTIVE

To identify current management practices and evaluate subsequent outcomes of treatment for women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia.

STUDY DESIGN

All women with a histological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia at the Birmingham Women's Hospital were identified between October 1998 and September 2000. A retrospective case note review was performed for each woman using a standardised data abstraction sheet. Baseline characteristics including clinical presentation and treatment strategy were obtained. Results of subsequent endometrial tissue examinations were used to assess histological response to treatment and the need and indication for hysterectomy was used to assess clinical response.

RESULTS

There were 351 women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia during the study period of which 84% presented with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding and 54% were postmenopausal. Complex endometrial hyperplasia was the most common diagnosis accounting for 60% of all cases. Eighty percent of women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were treated by hysterectomy compared with 30% without evidence of cytological atypia (relative hysterectomy rate of 2.6, 95% CI 2.0-3.3). Hysterectomy was avoided in 138/172 (80%, 95% CI 74-86%) women managed conservatively during the study period. Overall 35/108 (36%, 95% CI 27-46%) of women managed conservatively had persistent or progressive disease identified (mean follow up 36 months). 20/143 (14%) women initially diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia who subsequently underwent hysterectomy were found to have endometrial cancer, the majority of whom had been diagnosed with atypical disease (14/20, 70%).

CONCLUSION(S)

The majority of women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were managed by hysterectomy and the substantial risk of diagnostic under-call supports this approach to treatment. In contrast, there is no consensus regarding the initial management of women with endometrial hyperplasia without cytological atypia.

Treatment of Non-Atypic Endometrial Hyperplasia Using Thermal Balloon Endometrial Ablation Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Traditionally endometrial hyperplasias have been treated with progestins. Unfortunately, quite often hyperplasias are resistant to treatment, or they recur after therapy. The aim of the study was to compare traditional progestin administration with thermal balloon endometrial ablation in the treatment of non-atypic endometrial hyperplasia.

METHODS

Women with endometrial hyperplasia (n = 34) were randomized in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Endometrial biopsy samples were taken 6 and 12 months after the treatment; if any signs of hyperplasia were detected, hysterectomy was performed. In addition, the hospital records were checked in September 2003 to observe for any later hysterectomy. Main outcome measures were recovery from hyperplasia and avoidance of hysterectomy.

RESULTS

In patients treated with thermal ablation, the hyperplasias persisted at 6 or 12 months in 4 out of 17 patients, whereas the rate was 6 out of 17 patients in the progestin therapy group. According to patient records, 1 further patient treated with thermal ablation and 3 further patients treated with progestin were hysterectomized after the last visit. A total of 14 of the 34 patients (41%) have been hysterectomized so far.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results suggest that thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy seems to be as effective as traditional progestin administration in the treatment of non-atypic endometrial hyperplasia. The hysterectomy rate during the follow-up period was, however, considerably high, and, therefore, hysterectomy might be considered even a first-choice treatment for endometrial hyperplasias.

Outpatient hysteroscopy and ultrasonography in the management of endometrial disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is to inform the ongoing debate about the choice between ultrasound and hysteroscopy in the management of endometrial disease presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding using information provided from recently published literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness, using 4 or 5 mm cut-offs to define abnormality, is a good test for excluding endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding. In contrast, hysteroscopy is a good test for detecting endometrial cancer, but less effective at excluding serious disease. The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intracavity pathology such as submucous fibroids and polyps is improved with saline instillation to levels of accuracy comparable to that of outpatient hysteroscopy. Miniaturization of hysteroscopes and ancillary instrumentation (e.g. development of bipolar intrauterine systems) has facilitated 'see and treat' outpatient hysteroscopy, so that it should no longer be considered simply an outpatient diagnostic modality. Preliminary cost-effectiveness studies have supported the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of endometrial disease, but further, more comprehensive studies are required comparing ultrasound and outpatient hysteroscopy.

SUMMARY

Recently published research has provided the clinician with high-quality data regarding the accuracy of ultrasound and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of endometrial disease. Despite this, controversy remains regarding the relative roles of these uterine imaging modalities. Future research needs to be directed towards providing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness data in order to resolve the ongoing debate and guide best clinical practice.

Uterine body cancer mass screening at Tokai University Hospital

A total of 1,512 women participated in mass screenings for uterine body cancer (UBC) from 1998 to 2003 at Tokai University Hospital. Their rate in the examinees of uterine cervical cancer (UCC) mass screenings was 4.7%. Among the 1,512 examinees, endometrial cytological abnormalities (class III or higher) were found in 17 (1.1%) cases. As a result, UBC was detected in two patients (0.13%). One case was diagnosed as class V, adenocarcinoma, and she underwent hysterectomy. In another case, adenocarcinoma was found to be associated with atypical endometrial hyperplasia in hysterectomy specimens. For the remaining 15 cases diagnosed as class III, the cytological abnormalities disappeared after a follow-up except for 3 patients who were not followed at Tokai University Hospital. In a comparison of the examinees with or without genital bleeding, the cytological abnormalities were more frequently detected in the former group; 4.2% (6/142) vs. 0.6% (5/819) (p < 0.05). We recommend examinees aged 40 years or higher with a complaint of genital bleeding to participate in UBC mass screening for detection of endometrial adenocarcinoma at early stages.

Endometrial Hyperplasia: A Review

Endometrial hyperplasia is a precursor to the most common gynecologic cancer diagnosed in women: endometrial cancer of endometrioid histology. It is most often diagnosed in postmenopausal women, but women at any age with unopposed estrogen from any source are at an increased risk for developing endometrial hyperplasia. Hyperplasia with cytologic atypia represents the greatest risk for progression to endometrial carcinoma and the presence of concomitant carcinoma in women with endometrial hyperplasia. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common presenting symptom of endometrial hyperplasia. Specific Pap smear findings and endometrial thickness per ultrasound could also suggest the diagnosis. Unopposed estrogen in women taking hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Tamoxifen has demonstrated its efficacy in treating women at risk for breast cancer, but it increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. The choice of treatment for endometrial hyperplasia is dependent on patient age, the presence of cytologic atypia, the desire for future childbearing, and surgical risk. Endometrial hyperplasia without atypia responds well to progestins. However, women with atypical hyperplasia should be treated with hysterectomy unless other factors preclude surgery.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the definition and classification of endometrial hyperplasia, to outline the clinical features of a patient with endometrial hyperplasia, to point out the natural history of endometrial hyperplasia, and to summarize the diagnostic options for patients with endometrial hyperplasia.

Traitement conservateur du cancer et des hyperplasies atypiques de l'endomètre

Endometrial carcinoma is the most frequent pelvic cancer encountered in women. The discovery of an endometrial carcinoma in a woman seeking pregnancy cannot be considered as exceptional. The medical alternative to the classic radical surgical treatment is studied in a review. Treatment with progestins might be considered and discussed with the couple in special indications. The oncologic risk to which this treatment exposes is limited. However, the application and the surveillance of this therapeutic protocol must obey strict rules, in order to recognize without delay any resistance to treatment. The spontaneous fertility of such patients seems weak, most probably because of their age, but assisted reproductive techniques (ART) could be considered in particular cases. Secondary hysterectomy is controversial, but a recent tendency is to widen this practice is becoming apparent.

Conservative treatment may be beneficial for young women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether an alternative treatment to radical hysterectomy exists for young women with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

DESIGN

A review of the literature (70 articles) plus personal results.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The recurrence rate and the pregnancy rate after conservative therapy.

CONCLUSION(S)

Conservative treatment of well-differentiated stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma can be considered in young patients, with close surveillance to diagnose any possible recurrence.

Clinical significance and management of cervical atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical significance of a cervical cytological diagnosis of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance and to formulate the most appropriate management guidelines for patients with such a diagnosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Regional hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Seventy-two patients with diagnoses of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance who were managed in a colposcopy clinic between January 1998 and December 1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age, cytological diagnoses of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance and its subtypes, method of evaluation, final diagnosis, and outcome after 2 years.

RESULTS

Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance were diagnosed in 83 (0.4%) of 21 854 cervical smear samples taken during the 2-year study period. Follow-up data were available from 72 patients, whose mean age was 43 years (range, 22-69 years). Forty-three percent of these patients had significant diseases of the genital tract. Patients with the subtype diagnosis of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance-favour neoplasia had the worst outcome, with 90% of patients having significant disease, followed by patients with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance "not otherwise specified" (43%), and atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance-favour reactive (8%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance should be investigated early and thoroughly, because many of them will have premalignant or malignant disease.

Guides to an efficient search for the best evidence

As a clinician, the selection of the best treatment options for a patient given her clinical diagnosis can be challenging. Textbooks and the knowledge base acquired during residency and fellowship training may be out of date. The following article outlines how to perform a literature search to survey the available treatment options and ultimately how to look for evidence-based guidelines for management of the clinical problem.

Ultrasonographic Features following Thermal Balloon Endometrial Ablation Therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic changes taking place in the uterus after thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy. The ultrasonographic findings in the uterus after thermal balloon endometrial ablation in 13 patients were compared to those found in 13 patients treated with gestagen therapy. Examinations took place before initiation of the treatment, on the 1st postoperative day (thermal balloon ablation group only), and 1 and 6 months later. One month after thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy, the ultrasonographic examination revealed a clear-limited hyperechogenic zone surrounding the uterine cavity which was filled with fluid in 6 out of 10 patients. The ultrasonographic findings may represent a burn-injury-induced obstruction in the cervical canal with subsequent collection of fluid in the uterine cavity and a zone of coagulation in the submucosal layers. At the final examination in the thermal balloon group, the mean endometrial thickness was lower than the pretreatment level. No changes were observed in the gestagen therapy group.

Compelling reasons for recommending IUDs to any woman of reproductive age

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective method of contraception that, as opposed to other countries around the world, is underutilized in the United States by women of all ages. Lingering concerns about the safety of IUDs are in large part responsible for their lack of adoption, but a systematic review published recently nullified some of the major safety concerns about IUD use. The author summarized the methodologically sound evidence regarding the risk of upper-genital-tract infection and infertility associated with IUD use and reported that a slightly increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) exists only in the first month following IUD insertion; that the risk of PID in women with symptomless sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) having an IUD inserted is similar to the risk in women not having an IUD inserted; and that there appears to be no negative effect on fertility following IUD removal. In addition, Mirena provides noncontraceptive benefits, such as treatment for menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and anemia, and ParaGard may help protect against endometrial cancer. An IUD is also a safer alternative to sterilization for perimenopausal women seeking a long-term and also reversible method of contraception. While both IUDs are suitable for many women of all ages, there are differences in their mechanisms of action, physical characteristics, and clinical effects that make each more or less appropriate for certain women.

[Endometrial hyperplasias resistant to progestins: alternatives to traditional treatments]

Endometrial hyperplasias are mainly regarded as a response to unopposed endogenous estrogenic stimulation and concern 12% of perimenopausal women. They are usually diagnosed because of irregular bleeding. They are divided into two categories based on the presence or absence of cytological atypia and further classified as simple or complex according to the extent of architectural abnormalities. Endometrial hyperplasias with cytological atypia are classically treated by hysterectomy. Endometrial hyperplasias without cytological atypia are classically treated by progestins. The bad observance (25% spontaneously stopping), the 30% recurrence rate after stopping progestin and the 12-53% resistance rate to treatment lead to propose a second-line therapy after endocrinological check-up, exploration of haemostasis, pelvic ultrasonography, hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsies. Standard treatments include uterine curettage which is not very effective and hysterectomy. Medical alternatives (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) and surgical alternatives (endometrial resection, thermal balloon endometrial ablation) were developed to avoid treating functional pathology radically. These conservative procedures correct 80% of endometrial hyperplasia symptoms with a low rate of lateral effects. However, these results need to be confirmed by long-term studies. Some economical, legal or material factors can also limit carrying out the procedures. Clinical trials need to be performed to better define the place of medical and surgical alternatives to hysterectomy in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasias resistant to progestins.

Atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia treated with the GyneLase system

A 47-year-old premenopausal, para 1, gravida 1 woman complained of menometrorrhagia. She had no risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, and office endometrial biopsy indicated focal, nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia. Seven months later the patient was scheduled for hysteroscopic endometrial resection. Instead she was treated by hysteroscopy, curettage, and the GyneLase system. The curetting indicated atypical, complex endometrial hyperplasia. The woman refused hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy and adjunctive therapy with progesterone. She agreed to close surveillance and further treatment if she had any vaginal bleeding. At 13 months she remains amenorrheic, the endometrial echo is 2 mm, and follicle-stimulating hormone level is 63 IU/L. Based on the patient's amenorrhea and ultrasound uterine measurement, it is tempting to assume that GyneLase treatment may have cured her atypical hyperplasia. However, at this time, we have no evidence to substantiate this assumption.

Development of a miniature, low-dose, frameless intrauterine levonorgestrel-releasing system for contraception and treatment: a review of initial clinical experience

A low-dose levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) (FibroPlant) has been clinically developed since 1997 for endometrial suppression during hormone replacement therapy in peri- and postmenopausal women, for the treatment of menorrhagia in women with normal uteri or with uterine fibroids, for contraception, for the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia, and for alleviating primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Results of preliminary studies confirm the promising nature of this all-round drug delivery system. The low dose of LNG released accounts for the low hormonal side-effect rate and virtual absence of amenorrhoea in premenopausal women. The system has not yet been evaluated in tamoxifen users (to protect the endometrium), or in women with rectovaginal endometriosis. However, early indications suggest that the system will also be suitable for these indications. The frameless drug delivery support of this LNG-releasing IUS has been optimized to reduce the size of the foreign body and to maximize tolerance and continuation of use while simultaneously providing for the maximum duration of action.

Balloon thermoablation in a woman with complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. A case report

BACKGROUND

Endometrial ablation is an alternative to hysterectomy in patients with menorrhagia refractory to medical therapy. The histologic changes in the hyperplastic endometrium secondary to endometrial ablation are not well understood.

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 4, had menorrhagia, was at high risk for medical treatment and underwent thermal balloon ablation. The dilatation and curettage specimen at the time of the procedure revealed complex hyperplasia of the endometrium with atypia. Subsequently a hysterectomy was performed, and the pathology specimen showed scarring, fibrosis and focal, weakly proliferative phase endometrium. There was no evidence of hyperplasia or malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial ablation with a thermal balloon seems to have resulted in resolution of endometrial hyperplasia. However, hyperplasia of the endometrium should still be a contraindication to such a procedure because of the inability to accurately assess the endometrium after ablation.

Optimal management of endometrial hyperplasia

The optimal management of endometrial hyperplasia is the subject of considerable debate. In this chapter the development of our current classification of endometrial hyperplasias is outlined in some detail in order to give an understanding of the complexity of the problem of determining the malignant potential of the hyperplasia which is the central issue in determining optimal treatment. While hysterectomy is still the definitive treatment for older women with hyperplasia, conservative therapy is perfectly acceptable in a defined group of younger women who are closely monitored.

[Endometrial hyperplasia--diagnosis and treatment]

The International Society of Gynecological Pathologists recently agreed on a classification of endometrial hyperplasia into two main groups; hyperplasias with and without atypia. The lesions were further subdivided into simple and complex hyperplasia. These guidelines were subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization. The disease is a result of oestrogen/gestagen imbalance with oestrogen overexpression. The most important prognostic factor is cellular atypia. Progress to invasive cancer is seen in about 20% of the patients with atypical hyperplasia, and most frequently occurs in postmenopausal women. The treatment of endometrial hyperplasia depends on histologic type, patients' age and whether the hyperplasia is a result of endogenous or exogenous oestrogen overexpression. The risk for progression to invasive cancer is minimal in oestrogen treated patients with simple or complex hyperplasia without atypia. Women under 40 years of age in this group can safely be treated with gestagens. In postmenopausal women with simple or complex hyperplasia with atypia, the recommended treatment is surgery including removal of the uterus and the ovaries.

Management of endometrial hyperplasia: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and to analyse the management of patients with this disorder.

METHOD

Retrospective descriptive study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital. The medical records of patients with endometrial hyperplasia from 1990 to 1995 were analysed. Descriptive statistic was used.

RESULT

Medical records could be obtained in 87 per cent of cases. Incidence of endometrial hyperplasia was 1 per cent of gynecological out-patients and 11 per cent of uterine curettage. Half of the patients had cystic hyperplasia. Main treatment options of patients with cystic hyperplasia were expectant and progestogen therapy. The major treatments of adenomatous hyperplasia were progestogen and hysterectomy. Most patients with atypical hyperplasia underwent hysterectomy. Most of the patients with expectant or hormonal therapy have recurrence of abnormal uterine bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial hyperplasia is not uncommon in gynecological practice. All gynecologists should be familiar with the pathophysiology and the natural history of this disorder. The unopposed estrogen stimulation should be investigated and corrected. Treatment options should be tailored to individuals according to disease grading, age of the patient and desire of pregnancy. Long-term follow-up until menopause is mandatory to prevent the excessive uterine blood loss and the progression to carcinoma.

OB/GYN virtual consult--menorrhagia for 6 months in a 31-year-old

What treatment options would you advise for a young woman with vaginal bleeding of 6 months' duration? Malcolm Griffiths, MD, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Luton & Dunstable Hospital, Luton, UK, moderates this case.

Endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most frequently seen gynecologic neoplasm, but it fortunately has low mortality, which is due largely to its presentation with abnormal bleeding and its subsequent early diagnosis. The morbidity associated with therapy for early lesions is moderate. Hyperplasia with atypia should be treated as early cancers. Many molecular markers are currently under study. Markers may soon help us identify invasive lesions at higher risk of recurring and thus more suitable for adjunct therapy. Screening in the general population is not recommended, but a high-risk group that is more suitable for screening could be identified, including obese and nulliparous women, those treated with unopposed estrogen or tamoxifen, or those with family or past histories of breast or colon cancer. Development of chemoprevention with an oral contraceptive during the reproductive years is under way, and there may be a role for chemoprevention in the reversal of hyperplasias.

Experimental and clinical studies on balloon laserthermia using Nd: YAG laser for uterine endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

No conservative therapy for endometrial cancer exists. We therefore evaluated the new balloon laserthermia for such cases.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental and clinical study. We examined experimentally porcine kidney and stomach, human resected uterus and clinically on 12 patients with endometrial cancer and two patients with hyperplasia.

RESULTS

Temperatures were safely kept at the balloon surface. Laser irradiation should be performed for at least 10-15 min, 65-70 degrees C to produce a suitable degeneration, experimentally. Clinically, necrosis and degeneration to a depth of 4-6 mm was histologically observed. Eight patients with carcinoma and hyperplasia for which laserthermia was effective showed that the surface of cancer was smooth and the depth of invasion was in most cases up to 1/4 of muscle layer.

CONCLUSION

Balloon laserthermia may be effective in early endometrial cancer or precancerous lesions. Its clinical usefulness should be investigated further.