Pathological Features of Endometrial Carcinoma

Abstract

Endometrial carcinoma most frequently arises in the corpus proper, but it may also originate in the lower uterine segment.  In early stages, it is common to find no evidence of residual disease after diagnostic endometrial curettage. Localized disease manifests as round, polypoid expansile masses that are friable and often hemorrhagic while diffuse involvement of the endometrium may show an indurated-appearing surface without a visible exophytic component, necrosis and hemorrhage may be seen. There are no distinctive gross appearances to differentiate individual subtypes. Foci of myometrial invasion generally appear grossly as well-demarcated gray-white areas that are lighter in color than the surrounding uninvolved myometrium. Extension from the surface lesion is commonly demonstrated.