Current concepts in cancer: The changing nature of endometrial cancer.
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A reappraisal of endometrial cancer over the past decade reveals: 1) new concepts in its pathologic nature; 2) increase in incidence; 3) acceptance of the theory of hormonal relation; and 4) acceptance of individualization of treatment. Although endometrial carcinoma is still thought of as a predominantly well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, an increase in more virulent tumors has been seen in recent years. These include: adenosquamous carcinoma; adenoacanthoma; mesodermal sarcomas; and adenometous hyperplasia. Women at high risk for these tumors include those suffering from obesity, infertility, failure of ovulation, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and those on long-term estrogen therapy. These women can be recognized and monitored by means of endometrial biopsy of the aspiration-curettage type. Adenomatous hyperplasia, the precursor of cancer, requires treatment with progestin or hysterectomy according to patient's age and reproductive status. Estrogens should be used only when indications are clear and in the smallest possible dose for the shortest period of time until the therapeutic goal is achieved. Aggressiveness of treatment should correspond to virulence of tumor. Dilatation and curettage under anesthesia should be used for clinical staging of endometrial cancer. Other means of treating endometrial cancers' include: total hysterectomy; bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; iliac-aortic lymphadenectomy; pelvic irradiation; radical hysterectomy; chemotherapy, and a drug regimen (including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, megestrol acetate).