endometrial hyperplasia
(redirected from Hyperplasia of the endometrium)endometrial hyperplasia
increase in the number of endometrial glands, usually secondary to hyperestrinism; classified as simple hyperplasia, complex hyperplasia, or complex hyperplasia with atypia; the latter may progress to adenocarcinoma.
endometrial hyperplasia
an abnormal condition characterized by overgrowth of the endometrium resulting from sustained stimulation by estrogen (of endogenous or exogenous origin) that is not opposed by progesterone. Estrogen acts as a growth hormone for the endometrium. Through a complex intercellular mechanism, endometrial cells bind estrogen preferentially and undergo changes characteristic of the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. If estrogen stimulation continues for 3 to 6 months without periodic cessation or counteractive progesterone stimulation, as occurs in anovulatory or perimenopausal women and in those receiving replacement estrogen without added progestogen, the endometrium becomes abnormally thickened and glandularized. Unremitting estrogen stimulation eventually causes cystic or adenomatous endometrial hyperplasia. The latter is a premalignant lesion that undergoes malignant degeneration in approximately 25% of cases. The causative relationship between estrogen and endometrial hyperplasia is well established; there is some indication but no proof that estrogen also provokes the change from hyperplasia to neoplasia and malignancy. Endometrial hyperplasia often results in abnormal uterine bleeding. Such bleeding, particularly in older women, constitutes an indication for biopsy or curettage of the endometrium to establish histopathological diagnosis and to rule out malignancy. A functioning estrogen-secreting tumor is suspected if the woman is not taking estrogen medication. Progestogen therapy is effective in reversing the abnormal histopathological changes of endometrial hyperplasia. If hyperplasia is adenomatous, hysterectomy is commonly performed.
endometrial hyperplasia
Adenomatous hyperplasia of endometrium Gynecology A premalignant endometrial lesion of older ♀ Endometrial hyperplasia
Hyperplasia without atypia Glands are crowded w/o cytologic atypia; these have a < 2% progress to carcinoma
Simple hyperplasia Glands are not back-to-back
Complex hyperplasia Glands are back-to-back
Hyperplasia with atypia Glands are crowded with cytologic atypia; ± 23% progress to carcinoma
en·do·me·tri·al hy·per·pla·si·a
(en'dō-mē'trē-ăl hī'pĕr-plā'zē-ă)Increase in the number of endometrial glands, usually secondary to hyperestrinism; classified as simple hyperplasia, complex hyperplasia, or complex hyperplasia with atypia; the latter may progress to adenocarcinoma.