A Case of Malignant Pleural Effusion Secondary to Endometrial Cancer After One Year of Hysterectomy

Cureus. 2022 Sep 7;14(9):e28907. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28907. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract. It can rarely metastasize to the lung, presenting as a pulmonary nodule and pleural effusion. Here we present a case of a 76-year-old female with a history of endometrial cancer who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and came one year later for evaluation of shortness of breath. She was found to have pleural effusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis was positive for malignant cells originating from endometrial cancer. The patient could not tolerate chemotherapy due to poor functional status, and a tunnel pleural catheter was placed for symptomatic relief. In conclusion, it is a rare finding of malignant pleural effusion to have an origin as endometrial cancer. Pleura is the rare distant site of involvement from endometrial cancer.

Keywords: endometrial carcinoma; hysterectomy; malignancy; metastasis; pleural effusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports