[Cytologic study of the endometrium and detection of groups at increased risk of developing cancer]

The authors analyze the findings of examinations of 350 patients of a climacteric and menopausal age, suffering from uterine fibromyomas. Special attention has been paid to patients with an asymptomatic course of fibromyoma during the menopause. Such patients are not referred to risk group by gynecologists, but analysis of the cytologic findings has revealed a high share (38.1%) of atypical proliferations and of proliferations suspected to eventuate in cancer. This fact has necessitated more thorough examinations and follow-up of this patient population. The authors consider that patients with asymptomatic uterine fibromyomas should be considered as a risk group in respect of developing endometrial carcinoma. Cytologic investigations of the uterine cavity aspiration biopsy specimens should be one of the first steps in examinations of women with abnormalities of the endometrium.