MICROSCOPIC ONCOLOGY OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER.

ABSTRACT Endometrial cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, primarily affecting postmenopausal women. Microscopically, the pathology of endometrial cancer is characterized by abnormal proliferation of glandular epithelial cells within the endometrium. The cancer is broadly categorized into two main histological types: Type I, associated with estrogen dependence, and Type II, which is estrogen-independent and more aggressive. Type I endometrial carcinomas, predominantly endometrioid in nature, exhibit well-differentiated glandular structures with minimal invasion, while Type II carcinomas, such as serous and clear cell subtypes, show high-grade nuclear atypia, frequent mitoses, and significant architectural disruptions. Microscopically, endometrial cancer is diagnosed based on features such as cellular morphology, nuclear atypia, glandular complexity, and invasion patterns into the myometrium. Immunohistochemical staining is pivotal in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions, with markers such as estrogen and progesterone receptors, p53, and Ki-67 aiding in classification and prognostication. Molecular profiling further complements histopathological diagnosis by identifying genetic alterations in PTEN, KRAS, and TP53, which are critical in guiding targeted therapeutic strategies. This abstract provides an overview of the microscopic features, histological subtypes, and molecular markers of endometrial cancer, emphasizing the role of microscopic oncology in accurate diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment approaches. Understanding these microscopic characteristics is essential for improving patient outcomes and developing novel therapeutic interventions in endometrial cancer management.