Endometrial metaplasia in a grand multiparous Nigerian woman; A case report with a review of literature

Abstract

Metaplasia is the substitution of one class of differentiated somatic cell with another differentiated somatic cell in the same tissue. It is an adaptive response to injurious agents, ranging from microbial to environmental causes. Two classes of metaplasia have been documented in the endometrium, the more common epithelial metaplasia and the rare mesenchymal metaplasia. Both types have vast morphological forms and may occur in isolation or co-exist with one another. They are frequently overlooked and are major diagnostic pitfalls. Careful clinical and histopathological evaluation are therefore pertinent to avoid over-diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Herein, we report a rare case of cartilaginous metaplasia co-existing with endometrial gland clear cell change in a 45-year old multiparous Nigerian woman, who presented with multiple endometrial polyp.