Endometrial adenocarcinoma initially mistaken as urinary incontinence

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jul;59(4):590-593. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.05.036.

Abstract

Objective: The report aims to present a case of endometrial cancer with unusual initial presentation. A literature review is conducted to speculate symptoms presented by endometrial cancer other than vaginal bleeding.

Case report: A 43-year-old, para 1, lean female suffered from copious watery vaginal discharge that was odorless and colorless for 8 months without any signs of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Preliminary surveys in private clinics with per vaginal examination and Papanicolaou smear were normal. Urinary incontinence was mistakenly impressed. When the patient turned to our center for help as symptoms aggravated, transvaginal sonography revealed hydrometra with papillary endometrium lesions. Hysteroscopy survey with endometrial biopsy revealed endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion: This is a case of endometrial cancer with unusual presentation. Transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy are easy and sensitive screening tools that should be readily offered to patients with suspicious symptoms.

Keywords: Abnormal vaginal discharge; Endometrial cancer; Hysteroscopy; Transvaginal sonography; Urinary incontinence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urinary Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Vaginal Discharge / etiology