Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN)
A precancerous condition of the uterus is when there are changes to uterine cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer. It's not yet cancer. But if it isn't treated, there is a chance that these changes will become uterine cancer.
Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) is a precancerous condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes thick. It happens when abnormal endometrial cells grow. EIN may also be called atypical endometrial hyperplasia.
If you have EIN, there is an increased chance it will turn into endometrial carcinoma, so treatment is needed.
Risks
The main risk that increases your chance of developing EIN is when female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are out of balance. Several things can cause female hormone changes, such as during menopause or taking drugs that change your hormone levels.
Having obesity and being over 60 years old can also increase the chance of developing EIN.
Signs and symptoms
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main sign of EIN. There may be vaginal discharge also, but it’s less common.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have EIN, you will be sent for tests. Tests used to diagnose EIN include:
- a biopsy of the endometrium
-
dilation and curettage (D&C) - cell and tissue studies to look for genetic changes in the cells
Because EIN can turn into cancer, doctors will find out if there is endometrial carcinoma present before planning treatment.
Find out more about diagnosis of uterine cancer.
Treatments
The main treatment for EIN is a hysterectomy. If you have EIN and want to be pregnant in the future, you may be offered hormone therapy with progestin instead of surgery.
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