Background. In patients with endometrial carcinoma, the use of hystero
scopy may result in malignant peritoneal cytology. The significance of
these mechanically disseminated malignant cells is uncertain. Case. D
isseminated endometrial carcinoma occurred in a 39-year-old patient wi
th endometrial carcinoma which had been hysteroscopically resected and
treated conservatively. Hysteroscopic dissemination was strongly sugg
ested based on the limited extent of carcinoma in the uterus, the exop
hytic nature of the pelvic tumor implant, and the lack of associated e
ndometriosis, Conclusion. Hysteroscopy should be reserved for patients
in whom prior endometrial sampling fails to demonstrate malignancy, (
C) 1998 Academic Press.