Role of prolonged excessive estrogen stimulation in the pathogenesis of endometrial sarcomas: two cases and a review of the literature

Gynecol Oncol. 1990 Aug;38(2):273-7. doi: 10.1016/0090-8258(90)90054-o.

Abstract

Two cases of endometrial sarcoma that developed many years after exposure to unopposed exogenous and endogenous estrogens, with no previous pelvic irradiation, are described. The literature is reviewed and the possible effect of prolonged unopposed estrogen stimulation is suggested as an etiologic factor in such extremely rare conditions. These cases add additional support to the assumption that prolonged and excessive endogenous or exogenous unopposed estrogen stimulation of the uterus may increase the risk of endometrial sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Estrogens / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxysteroids / urine
  • Ketosteroids / urine
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Sarcoma / chemically induced*
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Testosterone / metabolism
  • Thecoma / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Hydroxysteroids
  • Ketosteroids
  • Testosterone
  • Estradiol