About a case of diffuse endometrial squamous metaplasia after resectoscopic myomectomy: a potential diagnostic pitfall for gynecologists and pathologists

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2010 Jul;18(4):392-5. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0b013e3181d6bd31.

Abstract

We report a case of diffuse endometrial squamous metaplasia found after in a resectoscopic myomectomy specimen. A 35-year-old woman underwent an office hysteroscopy that showed a submucosal leiomyoma. After pharmacologic treatment with a GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) leuprolide acetate, the patient underwent a resectoscopic myomectomy. Histologic examination showed fragments of myometrial tissue with the foci of endometrial glands with diffuse features of squamous metaplasia; in part classical, mature type; and in part immature type, and the so-called "morula type." Presence of endometrial squamous metaplasia in the endometrium may produce dramatic histologic changes on biopsies and sometimes it may be difficult to distinguish it from primitive primary carcinomas of nonendometrioid histology, representing therefore, a potential diagnostic pitfall. GnRHa therapy could play a possible role in the onset of squamous metaplasia. So the pathologist and gynecologist must take into account this possible metaplastic change for a correct clinicopathologic assessment and to avoid overtreatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / agonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / adverse effects
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / agonists
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy*
  • Leiomyoma / complications
  • Leiomyoma / drug therapy
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Metaplasia / complications*
  • Metaplasia / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone