Malignant transformation of endometriosis on vaginal cuff after hysterectomy: a case report

Abstract

Objective. Endometriotic tissue implants rarely transform to malignant tissue, especially in a patient with a hysterectomy and bilaterally salpingo-oophorectomy. However, several cases with cancer arising from endometriosis after hysterectomy were reported in the literature. Hormone replacement therapy only with estrogen is a crucial risk factor for malignant transformation of persistent endometriotic tissue. Case Report. The present case demonstrates an endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from persistent endometriosis tissue in a patient who was performed hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy 3 years ago. The histopathologic specimens of the previous surgery did not include any malignant tissue. After 3 years, she applied to the hospital with abnormal vaginal bleeding, and her histopathologic examination result found an ulcerated mass at the upper one-third of the vagina that is compatible with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. It is crucial to keep in mind the endometriosis history of the patient, to be able to diagnose cancer arising from endometriosis while evaluating the patient with a hysterectomy.

Keywords

• malignant transformation
• endometriosis
• vaginal cuff
• hysterectomy
• extragonadal focus