CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 36, no. 2, 2010

Endometrial Carcinogenesis

[Review]

S.C. STOIAN(1), F. BOBIA(2), A. STEPAN(3), C. SIMIONESCU(3)


(1)Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, County Emergency University Hospital Craiova;
(2)Dental Prosthetic Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova;
(3)Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova


Abstract:

Endometrial cancer is among the three most common cancers in females in many industrialized countries. Currently, two different pathways are distinguished for tumorigenesis of sporadic endometrial carcinoma. Type I, those with endometrioid histology, are associated with unopposed estrogen exposure and are often preceded by premalignant disease. In contrast, type II endometrial cancers have nonendometrioid histology (usually papillary serous or clear cell) with an aggressive clinical course. Hormonal risk factors have not been identified, and there is no readily observed premalignant phase. The morphologic and clinical differences are paralleled by genetic distinctions, in that type I and II cancers carry mutations of independent sets of genes. The morphologic differences in these cancers are mirrored in their molecular genetic profile with type I showing defects in DNA-mismatch repair and mutations in PTEN, K-ras, and beta-catenin, and type II showing aneuploidy and p53 mutations.


Keywords: endometrial carcinoma, carcinogenesis, estrogens



Corresponding: Sidonia Catalina Stoian, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Str Petru Rares nr. 4, 200456, Craiova, Dolj, Romania Mail: sidocatalina@yahoo.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.36.02.01 - Download PDF
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