Peritoneal cytology as a prognostic indicator in endometrial carcinoma

Among the prognostic indicators of endometrial carcinoma, the presence of cancer cells in peritoneal washings has been suggested as indicating a poor prognosis. This proposition was examined for 373 patients; positive peritoneal washings were observed in 20 of 335 patients with stage I disease and 10 of 29 with stages II-IV. In 13 of the 30 patients there was no gross evidence of disease. Within a follow-up period of two years, positive cytology appeared to be a sign of poor prognosis.