Prevalence of unexpected malignant disease in the histopathology of hysterectomy indicated for benign condition

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of incidental malignant pathology following a hysterectomy performed for benign reasons.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study based on hospital records. Women who underwent hysterectomy for benign reasons at a general referral hospital between 2013 and 2021 were included. Women with obstetric hysterectomy were excluded. Measured variables: age, route of hysterectomy, type of hysterectomy, histopathological diagnosis of premalignant lesion or invasive cancer, type of cancer. Analysis: Descriptive, the prevalence of preneoplastic and neoplastic conditions was estimated for the overall period.

Results: Of 816 clinical records, 674 cases (87 %) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The premenopausal population predominated. Twentysix cases of unexpected malignant disease were identified, yielding a prevalence of 3.8 %, and 13 cases of premalignant pathology (1.9 %). The most common origin was the cervix (40 %), followed by the ovary (33 %).

Conclusions: Patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions should be informed about the risk of unexpected injury. The importance of performing, in our context an adequate preoperative approach to rule out cervix uteri and ovarian cancer is emphasized. Follow-up studies of patients with unanticipated cancer are required to determine their treatment and prognosis in the region.