Background features of endometrial carcinoma on ThinPrep cytology

Conventional smear screening has had little impact on the detection of endometrial carcinoma. Recent studies on liquid-based preparations show promise with increased detection rates of endometrial lesions. The purpose of this 2-yr retrospective study (February 1, 2002-February 29, 2004) was to evaluate the background features on ThinPrep slide preparations from endometrial carcinomas. During this period, 20 (0.06%) cases were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, of which 15 (75%) showed endometrial carcinoma on cervical or vaginal biopsy. Classic tumor diathesis was present on the slides in 8 (53%) of the cases, the majority of which were from high-grade tumors. In 1 (7%) case, the tumor diathesis consisted of precipitated protein in a watery background. Tumor diathesis was absent in 6 (40%) of the cases, the majority of which were low-grade lesions. Background features on ThinPrep Pap tests from patients with endometrial features range from classic tumor diathesis to clean; findings dependent on the histologic type and grade of the tumor and the extent of the disease process.