Embolic vascular seeding of endometrial adenocarcinoma, a complication of hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy

Gynecol Oncol. 1999 Feb;72(2):261-4. doi: 10.1006/gyno.1998.5249.

Abstract

Objective: A case of embolic vascular seeding of endometrial adenocarcinoma following hysteroscopy is reported.

Methods: This phenomenon was recognized in the uterus specimen from a hysterectomy performed 1 week after hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy. Tissue processing artifact was excluded.

Results: Since the patient was otherwise low risk, treatment was limited to hysterectomy. The patient was not given adjuvant therapy. Two years later she remains alive and well with no evidence of disease. The surgical, morphologic, and clinical features of this case are presented and illustrated.

Conclusion: Previous reports of peritoneal tumor seeding associated with hysteroscopy are reviewed. Tumor embolization during hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy was not followed by tumor recurrence in this case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Hysteroscopy / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Seeding*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology*