Title Giant cell carcinoma of the endometrium: a case report of a rare entity and review of the literature
Translation of Title Giant Cell Carcinoma of the Endometrium: A Case Report of a Rare Entity and Review of the Literature.
Authors Pfingsten, Madita Louise
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Pages 42
Keywords [eng] Keywords: Endometrial Giant Cell Carcinoma, Endometrial Cancer, Giant Cells, Cellular Cannibalism Raktažodžiai: endometro gigantinių ląstelių karcinoma, endometro vėžys, gigantinės ląstelės, ląstelių kanibalizmas.
Abstract [eng] Endometrial giant cell carcinoma (EGCC) is an exceptionally rare and poorly characterised variant of endometrial carcinoma. This thesis details a case of EGCC and reviews the current literature. A review of published case reports and series in the English-language literature was conducted to summarise the clinicopathological characteristics of this rare carcinoma. The key findings are presented in a structured format to facilitate comparison. We describe the case of a 68-year-old woman who initially presented with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. She underwent surgical management, followed by multiple lines of systemic chemotherapy. The disease progressed rapidly, and she died 12 months after diagnosis. The literature review shows heterogeneity in clinical presentation, therapeutic approaches, and patient outcomes. Notably, the aggressive course observed in this carcinoma does not appear to correlate directly with FIGO (Fédération internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétriques) stage, and the proportion of giant cells does not consistently increase with advancing disease stage, suggesting that it may represent a separate marker of adverse tumour biology rather than reflecting tumour burden. These findings highlight the importance of recognising this carcinoma as a distinct pathological entity. Improved delineation of tumours with similar morphology may facilitate more consistent histopathological reporting and more accurate prognostication and clinical management. Further investigation into this carcinoma's biological and molecular characteristics is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and inform future therapeutic strategies, given its aggressive behaviour and poor outcomes.
Dissertation Institution Vilniaus universitetas.
Type Master thesis
Language English
Publication date 2026