Atypical Endocervical Hyperplasia in Women Taking Oral Contraceptives

In 13 patients, a distinctive type of atypical polypoid endocervical hyperplasia was found. To our knowledge, this type of lesion has not been previously recognized. Such lesions have been observed [by us] with increasing frequency during the past two years and are important because they are sufficiently disturbing histologically to raise the question of carcinoma. Thus far, this variety of hyperplasia has been found only in women taking oral progestins, usually for purposes of contraception. Despite their resemblance to adenocarcinoma, the available data point to a benign interpretation. Whether these lesions are more than coincidentally related to use of oral progestins is unknown, but the association is striking and requires experimental evaluation of a possible relationship.