Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma

Epidemiology

• Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EMCA) is the most common form of gynecologic malignancy.

• The overall lifetime incidence is between 2% and 3%.

• The majority of patients are between 55 and 65 years of age at the time of diagnosis; however, cases can occur at almost any age.

• Women with excess estrogen (whether exogenous or endogenous) are at increased risk.

• Because of the production of excess estrogens, obese women are at an increased risk.

• Patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) (Lynch syndrome) and Cowden syndrome are at an increased risk. Approximately 4% of women with EMCA will score positive for HNPCC.

• Family history of EMCA, nulliparity, early menarche, and late menopause have all been associated with increased risk as well.

• Patients taking tamoxifen are at an increased risk of the development of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), which carries a 46-fold increased risk of subsequent (or concurrent) EMCA.