Utility of imaging modalities for predicting carcinogenesis in lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the use of imaging methods for predicting carcinogenesis in lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed preoperative images on transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23 cases with histologically diagnosed LEGH.

RESULTS

Shape of cervical multicystic lesions on MR images could be divided into two types the flower-type with many small cysts surrounded by larger cysts, and the raspberry-type with many tiny, closely aggregated cysts. Six (46%) of 13 cases had raspberry-type lesions that were not detected on transvaginal sonography but were seen on MRI. Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) was identified in 4 postmenopausal women with raspberry-type lesions during the follow-up periods. In these cases, cytologic examination by targeted endocervical sampling using sonography enabled early detection of AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI and cytologic examination by targeted endocervical sampling may be very useful for predicting carcinogenesis in LEGH.