Endometrial thickness among BRCA mutation carriers undergoing prophylactic oophorectomy

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Women with pathogenic variants (mutations) in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have an increased risk of high-grade endometrial cancer.
• Endometrial thickness is a marker for endometrial cancer risk, and previous studies suggested differences in BRCA carriers.
• Medications affecting endometrial thickness are common in BRCA mutation carriers, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare endometrial thickness in women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations versus non-carriers.
• To determine if BRCA mutation status influences endometrial thickness, a potential indicator of endometrial cancer risk.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 114 women (73 premenopausal, 41 postmenopausal) with an intact uterus.
• Endometrial thickness was measured via transvaginal ultrasound and dated.
• Data was compared to published levels in the general population.

Main Results:

• Among premenopausal women, median follicular endometrial thickness was 7.00 mm in carriers vs. 6.8 mm in non-carriers.
• Median luteal endometrial thickness was 10.85 mm in carriers vs. 9.6 mm in non-carriers.
• Among postmenopausal women, median endometrial thickness was 4.0 mm in both carriers and non-carriers.

Conclusions:

• No significant differences in endometrial thickness were observed between BRCA mutation carriers and non-carriers.
• These findings, despite small sample sizes, suggest BRCA status may not significantly alter endometrial thickness.