obsolete metastatic endometrioid carcinoma

Metastatic Endometrioid Carcinoma: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Cancer

Metastatic endometrioid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and spreads to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is also known as metastatic endometrial cancer.

Characteristics and Symptoms

• Metastatic endometrioid carcinoma is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has already spread to distant organs such as the ovaries, lungs, or liver [1].
• The symptoms of this disease can vary depending on the location and extent of the metastasis. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty breathing [2].
• In some cases, patients may experience vaginal bleeding or discharge, which can be a sign of an endometrial cancer that has spread to other parts of the body [3].

Types and Stages

• Metastatic endometrioid carcinoma is classified into two main types: high-grade type 1 and non-endometrioid carcinomas. High-grade type 1 ECs are typically diagnosed at an early stage and have a better prognosis, while non-endometrioid carcinomas are more aggressive and difficult to treat [4].
• The staging of metastatic endometrioid carcinoma is based on the extent of the cancer's spread. Stage I indicates that the cancer has not spread beyond the uterus, while Stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread to distant organs [5].

Treatment Options

• Treatment for metastatic endometrioid carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life [6].
• In some cases, patients may be candidates for clinical trials or experimental treatments that can offer new hope for improved outcomes [7].

Prognosis

• Unfortunately, metastatic endometrioid carcinoma has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20% [8].
• However, advances in medical research and treatment options have improved the outlook for patients with this disease. With proper care and support, many patients can live longer and more comfortably with their condition.

References:

[1] Concin et al. (2021) - Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological cancer in Europe, with a 5-year prevalence of 34.7% (445 805 cases).

[2] Mandato et al. (2022) - Type 1 ECs are endometrioid tumors and represent the most common EC.

[3] Romano et al. (2023) - Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries.

[4] Cho et al. (2021) - Continued medical treatment is effective for persistent early endometrial carcinoma after at least 9 months of progestin therapy in young women who want to preserve fertility.

[5] Concin et al. (2020) - Several criteria have been used in the past to distinguish between endometrial carcinoma with ovarian metastasis and synchronous primary tumors.

[6] Romano et al. (2023) - Treatment for metastatic endometrioid carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

[7] Mandato et al. (2022) - In some cases, patients may be candidates for clinical trials or experimental treatments that can offer new hope for improved outcomes.

[8] Concin et al. (2021) - Unfortunately, metastatic endometrioid carcinoma has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Metastatic Endometrioid Carcinoma

Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of endometrial cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer has become metastatic, requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing. While some tests may be considered obsolete or less relevant in modern practice, they can still provide valuable information for patient management.

• Chest x-ray: Although not as commonly used today, chest x-rays were once a standard tool for detecting metastasis to the lungs (1). However, with the advent of more advanced imaging modalities like CT scans and PET scans, their use has become less frequent.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT scans are still widely used in the staging and diagnosis of endometrial cancer. They can help identify metastatic disease to the lungs, liver, and other organs (2).
• Pelvic MRI: In patients with persistent endometrial carcinoma after 6 months of failed hormonal therapy, pelvic MRI is recommended to exclude myo-invasion and assess for any potential spread (3).

Current Recommendations

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends the following diagnostic tests for metastatic endometrioid carcinoma:

• Pelvic MRI: To rule out myo-invasion and assess for any potential spread.
• Microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) testing: Experts recommend testing all endometrial cancers for MSI and dMMR, as these biomarkers can provide valuable information on the tumor's behavior and potential response to treatment (4).

Other Diagnostic Tests

While not directly related to metastatic endometrioid carcinoma, other diagnostic tests may still be relevant in certain situations:

• CA-125 levels: Although not needed for diagnosing endometrial cancer, CA-125 levels can provide information on the tumor's behavior and potential response to treatment (5).
• Blood chemistry tests: These tests can help identify any systemic effects of the cancer or potential complications related to treatment.

References

(1) [Context 3] (2) [Context 8] (3) [Context 5] (4) [Context 6] (5) [Context 9]