Does the presence of adenomyosis and lymphovascular space invasion affect lymph node status in patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium?

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the prevalence of adenomyosis and assess its effect on lymph node status in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (EAC).

STUDY DESIGN

Hysterectomy specimens from a single institution were reviewed for the presence of adenomyosis, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), tumor grade, histology, and lymph node status. Standard statistical analysis was used to compare variables.

RESULTS

Adenomyosis was present in 42% of total and 66% of malignant hysterectomy specimens (P = .009). Adenomyosis was most commonly associated with EAC histology (P = .023). LVSI was found to be an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis in EAC patients without adenomyosis, but not in those with coexisting adenomyosis (odds ratio, 58.7; P = .03; and odds ratio, 4.98; P = .15; respectively).

CONCLUSION

Adenomyosis was associated with a lower risk of lymph node metastasis in EAC patients with LVSI. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of adenomyosis in lymphatic tumor infiltration.