Early endometrial carcinoma: clinicopathology, hormonal aspects, molecular genetics, diagnosis, and treatment

The number of patients with endometrial carcinoma is markedly increasing in Japan. Therefore, understanding of its biological characteristics and establishment of appropriate treatment are important. In this article, we first describe the clinicopathology of the two types of endometrial carcinoma with their hormonal background and genetic alterations, and then discuss the pathways of early endometrial carcinogenesis. In addition, we also review the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for early endometrial carcinomas with current controversies, especially regarding postoperative treatment strategies.