[Clinical analysis of endometrial carcinoma patients aged 45 years and younger]

To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of endometrial carcinoma patients aged 45 years and younger.

Fifty-two cases of endometrial carcinoma aged 45 years and younger were treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. They were further divided into group A (35 years of age and younger) and group B (older than 35 years). Clinical data of these patients were reviewed and the two groups were compared.

Patients aged 45 years and younger accounted for 12.7% of all the endometrial carcinoma cases. About 50% of the patients were nulliparous, infertile or had irregular menstruation and endometrial hyperplasia, 29% were obese, 23% had polycystic ovaries. Eighty-three percent of the patients were stage [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), 1988]. Group A had more polycystic ovaries and atypical endometrial hyperplasia than group B (53% vs 9%, 59% vs 26% respectively, P < 0.05). All group A patients were stage I endometrial carcinoma. In group B, 26% had high risk factors, and compared with group A, FIGO stage was higher (P < 0.05). Operation was the main treatment. Two patients were treated successfully with conservative high dose progestin. Two patients relapsed.

There were high incidences of infertility, irregular menstruation, endometrial hyperplasia, obese and polycystic ovaries in patients aged 45 years and younger, indicating the relationship between endometrial carcinoma and estrogen. Most patients, especially those younger than 35 years, were stage I with few risk factors and good prognosis. Conservation of fertility and ovarian function should be considered in these patients.