Patterns of Myometrial Invasion in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma with Emphasizing on Microcystic, Elongated and Fragmented (MELF) Glands Pattern: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (EEC) is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. According to the 2009 FIGO staging system, the depth of myometrial invasion (MI), and tumor spread to adjacent organs or tissues are the staging criteria for endometrial carcinoma (EC). Therefore, assessment of the depth of MI is of great importance. There is a spectrum of morphological patterns of MI. Still, their number and features vary according to the scientific literature, with a certain overlap that creates difficulties and controversies in the precise assessment of MI depth. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss the most important and recent information about patterns of MI, focusing on the more aggressive and the elongated and fragmented glands (MELF) pattern in particular. Assessment of MI depth and correct staging of EC is possible only after the precise recognition of each MI pattern.

Keywords

• endometrial cancer
• myometrial invasion
• microcystic
• elongated and fragmented glands
• single cell invasion