Lymphovascular invasion is a significant predictor for distant recurrence in patients with early-stage endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma

Am J Clin Pathol. 2008 Jun;129(6):912-7. doi: 10.1309/CP3HGX7H753QQU8T.

Abstract

To evaluate the value of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEA) as a predictor for distant recurrence, we analyzed the histopathologic features of 513 consecutive cases of nonsurgically staged EEA limited to the uterus. Grade, myoinvasion, cervical involvement, and LVI were evaluated. With a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 2-144 months), 67 cases (13.1%) recurred, 37 (7.2%) had locoregional recurrence, and 30 (5.8%) developed distant recurrence. LVI was identified in 116 cases (22.6%) cases and was the only adverse histopathologic finding in 23 cases; 5 (22%) of the 23 recurred. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between any type of recurrence and cervical involvement (hazard ratio [HR], 2.760; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.621-4.698) and LVI (HR, 2.717; CI, 1.568-4.707). Multivariate analysis revealed LVI as the only independent predictor for distant recurrence (HR, 2.841; CI, 1.282-6.297). Studies to examine the role of adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with early-stage disease should be considered.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / therapy
  • Cervix Uteri / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / mortality
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate