Histochemical detection of c-erb-2 overexpression in endometrial polyps removed by hysteroscopy

Objective To detect the presence of c-erb-2 over-expression in endometrial polyps. Setting Endoscopy unit of a private, urban hospital. Subjects and methods 20 patients with endometrial polyps and six patients w ith disordered proliferative endometrium underwent resectoscopic surgery. O estrogen receptor and c-erbB-2 protein over-expression were investigated in the polyp and endometrium by immunohistochemical methods. Results Over-expression of c-erbB-2 was detected in 83% of endometrial poly ps in women of reproductive age and in 57% of polyps in women in the menopa use. The use of hormone replacement therapy did not affect the percentage o f polyps showing c-erbB-2 over-expression. Oestrogen receptors were present in the polyps of all patients. There was no c-erbB-2 over-expression in th e cases of disordered proliferative endometrium. Conclusions Over-expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was detected in benign endometrial polyps in both pre- and postmenopausal patients. Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor family may be involved in the mechanis m of polyp growth.