What is microscopic cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus)?
When a uterus is removed at the time of hysterectomy, if any hyperplasia or cancer is suspected, the inside of the uterus is visually inspected to see if a grossly visible cancer is present. If there is a cancer seen and it seems to invade half way through the uterine muscle or more, then lymph nodes in the pelvis are excised to examine microscopically by the pathologist to see if there is any spread of the cancer outside of the uterus. If no cancer is seen, the uterine tissue is sent to the pathologist to look microscopically at the tissue. If the pathologist sees cancer, the distance from the deep edge of the endometrial lining into the muscle is measured. The pathologist also grades the cancer, based on how abnormal the cells appear, into well-differentiated, moderately-differentiated and poorly differentiated. The doctor then determines any further treatment based on the stage (extension from the lining) and grade of the cancer. Your doctor may consult a gynecologic oncologist or m
