HYSTEROSCOPIC DISSEMINATION OF ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA

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.