Didactics-MELF in Endometrial Carcinoma

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses the prevalence and characteristics of MELF (microcystic elongated and fragmented) gland pattern in endometrioid adenocarcinoma, a type of uterine cancer. It highlights that uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females in the US, and the most common gynecologic malignancy. In Vietnam, it is the sixth most common cancer in females. The MELF pattern of myo-invasion is characterized by microcystic glands with elongation, fragmentation, and single-cell invasion. It is associated with poor prognosis and factors such as lymph node involvement, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and deep myometrial and cervical stromal invasion. The video emphasizes the importance of cytokeratin immunohistochemistry to accurately determine depth of invasion and to distinguish MELF glands from histiocytes. While MELF glands tend to have different immunoprofiles and are associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, their prognostic and predictive value remains unclear. Studies suggest associations with deeper invasion, LVSI, and lymph node metastasis, but no definitive impact on survival or recurrence has been established. The video concludes by recommending further investigation and vigilance in detecting MELF patterns in order to assess associated aggressive characteristics.

Asset Subtitle

Siobhan O'Conner
June 2021

Keywords

MELF gland pattern

endometrioid adenocarcinoma

uterine cancer

prevalence

characteristics