Metastases to the uterus from extrapelvic primary tumors.

Eleven cases of metastases to the uterus from extrapelvic primary tumors are presented. The mean age of these patients was 52 years. The most common primary tumors were breast (five patients), stomach (three), and colon (two). In a majority of cases (eight of 11) there was a previous history of malignancy. The patients presented after an average interval of 20 months with gynecologic symptoms, most commonly uterine bleeding. Metastatic tumor was detected by endometrial curetting (two patients) and hysterectomy (six patients). The mean survival was 20 months. In three patients metastases were unexpectedly detected during pelvic surgery. Histologically, metastatic carcinoma of the uterus is characterized by focal occurrence, lack of necrosis, and lack of accompanying premalignant changes in the endometrium, allowing one at least to suspect this entity even if the history is negative or not provided.