RELATIONSHIP OF ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA AND ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE FUNDUS

Abstract

For many years there has been conjecture as to the possible sequential relationship of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma, and recent research in this field has been intensified. This paper presents a short discussion of the question with full appreciation of the fact that on many points our knowledge is too incomplete to justify arbitrary expressions of viewpoints. Since there are still many uncertainties as to a definite relation between hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma in human beings, it seems justifiable to evaluate it on the abundant and substantial evidence available in the experimental field. It seems well established that hyperplasia as seen during the menstrual era is a direct resultant of anovulation and prolonged unopposed estrogen stimulation, with no evidence of corpus luteum formation or resultant progesterone activity. Clinically, hyperplasia is often seen at the menarche, not infrequently during the menstrual era, but most commonly in the immediately premenopausal years when anovulation