Association of Cervical Microglandular Hyperplasia With Exogenous Progestin Exposure

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Pathology
• Endocervical Lesions
• Hormonal Influences on Reproductive Tissues

Background:

• Microglandular hyperplasia is a benign endocervical lesion that can be mistaken for malignancy.
• The association between microglandular hyperplasia and progestational stimulation requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential association between progestin exposure and microglandular hyperplasia.
• To inform clinicians and pathologists about this association and the benign nature of the lesion.

Main Methods:

• Observational case-control study conducted from 1991 to 2014 at University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey.
• Cases of microglandular hyperplasia and controls (endocervical curettages without the lesion) were identified from pathology files.
• Medical records were reviewed for evidence of exogenous progestin exposure within six months prior to diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Eighty-nine cases of microglandular hyperplasia and 97 controls were analyzed.
• A significantly higher percentage of microglandular hyperplasia cases (29.2%) showed progestin exposure compared to controls (10.3%; p = .0014).

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between progestin exposure and the occurrence of microglandular hyperplasia.
• Awareness of this association is crucial for clinicians and pathologists to correctly interpret this benign endocervical lesion.