title: Endometrial morphology in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.
abstract: Few data are available regarding endometrial histologic features in asymptomatic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. This study encompasses endometrial biopsy specimens obtained from 801 such women before enrollment in a multicenter study of estrogen-progestin replacement. One endometrial cancer was found (0.13%); four additional biopsy specimens showed atypia (total 0.63%). The endometrium was atrophic in 373 (46.9%), proliferative in 133 (16.7%), secretory in 54 (6.8%), and hyperplastic in 41 (5.2%). Insufficient tissue for diagnosis was obtained in 195 (24.5%). We conclude that the yield for neoplasia is so low that screening endometrial biopsy is not justified in asymptomatic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Magee Women's Hospital, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McIntyre-Seltman
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Wilborn
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cone
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Creasy
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kafrissen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis