Hysteroscopic dissemination of endometrial carcinoma

Background. In patients with endometrial carcinoma, the use of hysteroscopy may result in malignant peritoneal cytology. The significance of these mechanically disseminated malignant cells is uncertain. Case. Disseminated endometrial carcinoma occurred in a 39-year-old patient with endometrial carcinoma which had been hysteroscopically resected and treated conservatively. Hysteroscopic dissemination was strongly suggested based on the limited extent of carcinoma in the uterus, the exophytic nature of the pelvic tumor implant, and the lack of associated endometriosis, Conclusion. Hysteroscopy should be reserved for patients in whom prior endometrial sampling fails to demonstrate malignancy, (C) 1998 Academic Press.