Incidental Gynecological Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and clinicopathological features of incidental premalignant and malignant gynecological lesions detected after hysterectomies performed for benign indications, and to identify associated risk factors.

Methodology: This retrospective study reviewed 1,047 hysterectomies performed for benign conditions at a tertiary center in Ankara, Turkiye, over a ten years period (January 2006-December 2015). Demographic characteristics, preoperative assessments, surgical indications, and histopathological outcomes were analyzed. Incidental lesions were defined as pre-malignant or malignant pathologies identified postoperatively without prior clinical suspicion. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and t-tests.

Results: Incidental pre-malignant or malignant lesions were identified in 6% (n=63) of cases, including cervical dysplasia/HSIL (0.9%), borderline ovarian tumors (1.1%), endometrial adenocarcinoma (0.5%), leiomyosarcoma (0.5%), and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (0.6%). Postmenopausal women had a significantly higher incidence than premenopausal women (9.2% vs. 3.8%, p<0.001). Patients with incidental findings were older than those with benign pathology (55.4 ± 11.2 vs. 52.7 ± 9.6 years, p=0.034). Larger myomas were associated with uterine sarcoma (172 ± 92 mm vs. 71 ± 39 mm, p<0.001). Ovarian malignancies were detected in 2.4% of cases without suspicious ultrasound features and in 14.8% of cases with ≥2 malignancy criteria (p=0.013). Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) was identified in 0.28% (n=3).

Conclusion: Incidental pre-malignant or malignant lesions were present in 6% of hysterectomies performed for benign indications. Age, menopausal status, myoma size, and suspicious imaging features were significant predictors. Preoperative evaluation may not completely exclude the possibility of occult pathology; therefore, this risk should be discussed during preoperative counseling.