Endometrial carcinoma with pleural metastasis: A case report

BACKGROUND: There have been a limited number of studies giving the incidence of pleural metastasis from female genital tract tumors. CASE: An unusual case occurred of recurrent pleural malignant effusion associated with disseminated serous papillary endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC). A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, appendectomy and omentectomy was performed. Treatment of the pleural malignant effusion consisted of thoracotomy with partial decortication, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient died of circulatory failure 8 months after the primary diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Although the pleura is a rare site of widespread EC, one should recognize the possibility of pleural spread from female genital tract neoplasms presenting with associated symptoms. Cytopathologic examination of the pleural effusion and the finding ofcarcinoma cells mandate an investigation for the primary site of the neoplasm by a multidisciplinary group.