Uterine serous papillary carcinoma arising inside an endometrial polyp removed by hysteroscopy

• Published in: Gynaecological endoscopy Vol. 9; no. 5; pp. 331 - 335
• Main Authors: Maia Jr, Hugo, Maltez, Amélia, Rodrigues, Maíta, Coutinho, Elsimar M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.10.2000
• Subjects: c-erb B2; endometrial polyp; hysteroscopy; p53; papillary carcinoma; steroid receptors
• ISSN: 0962-1091; 1365-2508
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2508.2000.00330.x

Objective  To describe a papillary, serous carcinoma arising in an endometrial polyp. Setting  Endoscopy unit of a private, urban hospital. Interventions  The polyp was diagnosed by hysteroscopy. Polypectomy was carried out using the 27F resectoscope. Steroid receptors and over‐expression for p53 and c‐erb B2 protein were investigated in the polyp by immunohistochemical methods. Results  There was a focal area of papillary serous carcinoma in the endometrial polyp. The malignant neoplasm showed over‐expression for p53 and c‐erb B2 oncoprotein and absence of oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Conclusions  Alteration in the p53 tumour suppressor gene was an early event in the process of carcinogenesis in the polyp of this patient. This was associated with loss of steroid receptors and c‐erb B2 amplification.