Hormonal Profile of Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Out of all the risk factors of endometrial carcinoma, the Oestrone Theory’ is especially fascinating. This theory assumes that prolonged uninterrupted stimulation of the endometrial cell by oestrone, without the competition of oestradiol and oestriol, brings about neoplasia. There is also some evidence of a protective effect of androgens and progesterone. In order to verify this theory in vivo, oestrone (E₁), oestradiol (E₂), testosterone (T) and progestogen levels were examined from the serum of 36 post-menopausal women suffering from endometrial carcinoma, and compared with a healthy group of women. Oestrone levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with endometrial carcinoma. A correlation was also found between oestrone levels and previous infertility. With the intention of tracking the origin of oestrone in those suffering from endometrial cancer, hormone levels were checked before and after total hysterectomy and oophorectomy. The high oestrone values dropped to normal after the operation, except in those who had previously suffered from infertility. In those patients, high oestrone values were found a year after the operation. No significant differences of testosterone or progesterone were found between the cancer patients and the healthy women. The operation did not have any influence on these values.

Histopathological findings in women with postmenopausal bleeding

“…These changes have been reported to progress to carcinoma in 10% of affected women within four to eight years if untreated (Wittlinger & Hohlweg‐Majert 1976; Pettersson et al 1985). Increased incidence of hyperplasia and/or carcinoma in women with unopposed exposure to either endogenous or exogenous oestrogen has been reported (Nisker et al 1980; Scirpa et al 1982; Oettinger et al 1984). Nulliparity, late menopause and the triad of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are considered to be risk factors towards the development of endometrial malignancies (Gusberg 1976).…”

Clinical Study of Postmenopausal Bleeding

“…2 Increased incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma in women with unopposed exposure to either endogenous or exogenous oestrogen has been reported. 6,7 In postmenopausal women, adipose tissue is the major conversion site of androstenedione to oestrone and increase with age and high body weight. The risk of endometrial cancer increases with age and the number of risk factors present.…”