Does the presence of adenomyosis and lymphovascular space invasion affect lymph node status in patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the prevalence of adenomyosis and assess its effect on lymph node status in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (EAC). STUDY DESIGN: Hysterectomy specimens from a single institution were reviewed for the presence of adenomyosis, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), tumor grade, histology, and lymph node status. Standard statistical analysis was used to compare variables. RESULTS: Adenomyosis was present in 42% of total and 66% of malignant hysterectomy specimens (P = .009). Adenomyosis was most commonly associated with EAC histology (P = .023). LVSI was found to be an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis in EAC patients without adenomyosis, but not in those with coexisting adenomyosis (odds ratio, 58.7; P = .03; and odds ratio, 4.98; P = .15; respectively). CONCLUSION: Adenomyosis was associated with a lower risk of lymph node metastasis in EAC patients with LVSI. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of adenomyosis in lymphatic tumor infiltration.