Should we be more aware of endometrial cancer in adolescents?

Abstract

Although endometrial cancer is generally diagnosed in women after menopause, it may incidentally develop in young women or even in adolescents. Diagnostic tools should be applied in young teenage girls complaining of abnormal genital bleeding, particularly those with hereditary cancer syndromes (such as Cowden or Lynch syndromes). Adolescents affected by polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity may also be at increased risk for the development of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, and should be carefully managed when the distressing symptoms occur. In the present article, we briefly summarize the principal clinical correlates associated with endometrial cancer in adolescents.

Keywords: Cowden syndrome; Lynch syndrome; conservative treatment; endometrial cancer; fertility preservation; adolescent.