Chapter 16 - Evaluation of the Cyclic Endometrium and Benign Endometrial Disorders

Endometrial sampling is a major component of gynecologic care as practitioners endeavor to identify the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), potential explanations for infertility, and abnormalities that might place the patient at greater risk for malignancy. The plethora of patterns that might be encountered during reproductive life and postmenopause can be confusing, and an informed pathologist is critical to optimal care. Fundamental to this task is a thorough understanding of and a systematic approach to non-neoplastic endometrial disorders. This chapter brings together detailed descriptions of the entities encountered when evaluating uterine bleeding and an authoritative clinical perspective. The goal is to provide the reader a road map of benign endometrial disorders from both a pathologic and clinical perspective, and provide the foundation needed to address both benign and neoplastic endometrium.