Incidence and Staging of Endometrial carcinoma: Review Article

Abstract

The optimal staging of tumors would reflect their biology and patterns of spread, permit accurate prognostication, and facilitate therapeutic decision-making. Pathologists are in a unique position to study each of these characteristics, comment on their ability to apply the criteria in daily practice, and offer suggestions to further improve the FIGO system. This paper selectively reviews some of the more problematic aspects of the current FIGO system, including the following: the distinction of tumors confined to the endometrium from those which are superficially myoinvasive; the method and utility of histologic grading of endometrial adenocarcinoma; the utility and reproducibility of the diagnosis of cervical epithelial and stromal invasion; the striking heterogeneity within and among stage III A, B, and C tumors and their differing prognostic significance. It concludes with recommendations for changes in a future revision of the FIGO staging of endometrial carcinoma.