Endometrial carcinoma: an aberration of endometrial cell differentiation.

A model endometrial cell differentiation is being proposed. It is in agreement with the available information on the concentrations of female sex steroid receptors in the human endometrium and the effects of estradiol and progesterone during the normal menstrual cycle. The scheme is extended to include endometrial carcinoma as a derangement of normal cell differentiation. Evidence is cited, from various studied on estradiol and progesterone receptor measurements and hormone responses of human endometrial carcinoma, in support of this hypothesis. This concept provides a rational basis for the selection of patients for hormonal (progestin) therapy.