Introduction

Cancer of the corpus uteri is twice as common in the developed as in the developing world and is apparently very rare in Africa. Globally it is one-third as frequent as cervical cancer.

Histology, classification and diagnosis

These tumors are predominantly adenocarcinomas. The marked rise in endometrial cancer that occurred following estrogen replacement therapy was not accompanied by an equivalent increase in mortality. This suggests that certain types of endometrial hyperplasia may mimic malignancy or represent carcinoma in situ. Despite the frequency of benign fibromas, fibrosarcomas of the corpus uteri are rare.

Descriptive epidemiology

Incidence

The highest reported incidence is from La Plata in Argentina. Rates in the range of 15 to 25 are found in US whites, in Hawaii and in much of Canada (Fig. 43.1). Within the USA, rates in blacks tend to be half those of whites. In Europe, rates are between 10 to 15, being somewhat lower in southern Ireland and the UK. The lowest rates, in the 3 to 5 range or even lower, are found in Asian and in African populations. In Israel, the incidence in Jews born in Europe or America (12.5) is higher than in those born in Africa or Asia (6.1) and in Israel (8.9) The Chinese and Japanese in the USA experience rates which are more than four times those in China and Japan.