Molecular genetics of endometrial carcinoma

Two different clinicopathologic subtypes of endometrial carcinoma are recognized: the estrogen-related (type I, endometrioid) and the non-estrogen related (type II, non-endometrioid). The clinicopathological differences are paralleled by specific genetic alterations with type I showing microsatellite instability and mutations in PTEN, PIK3CA, K-RAS, and CTNNB1 (beta-catenin), and type II exhibiting p53 mutations and chromosomal instability. This article reviews the genetic changes of endometrial carcinogenesis in the light of morphologic features of the tumors and their precursors.