Endometrial Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Endometrial Cancer: What Is It?

Endometrial cancer begins in the uterine lining. This lining is called the endometrium. In general, endometrial cancer is also called uterine cancer. It is the most common type of cancer that affects the uterus. Other types of uterine cancers are rare.

Reports from the National Cancer Institute say that about three out of one hundred women may develop uterine cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that more than 80 percent of women with uterine cancer survive and live a healthy life. It is always better to look for initial signs and manage endometrial cancer early.

What Are the Causes of Endometrial Cancer?

It's unclear exactly what causes endometrial cancer. Researchers believe that genetic mutations may change normal healthy cells into abnormal cells. These abnormal cells grow quickly and form cancer. Additionally, cancer cells can detach from their original site and travel to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer?

The most common sign of endometrial cancer is irregular vaginal bleeding. This is still possible after menopause. Women may also experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual periods. Some women may notice spotting between periods. The menstrual period may last longer than usual.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain in the pelvic area.

• Physical discomfort.

• Difficulty walking properly.

• Pain in the affected area.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

• Vaginal discharge with blood or watery fluid.

What Are the Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer?

• Family History: The risk of endometrial cancer is increased by a family history of either endometrial cancer or colorectal cancer, which is often linked to Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome, often called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, is caused by defects in certain genes, such as MLH1 or MSH2.

• Age: As people age, their chance of endometrial cancer rises. Women older than 55 years have a higher chance of developing this cancer.

• Exposure to High Estrogen Levels: Women who take estrogen therapy to treat menopause symptoms may have a higher risk. The risk is greater when estrogen is taken alone without progesterone.

• Dietary Factors: A high-fat diet can increase the risk of many cancers, including endometrial cancer. Foods high in fat can contribute to obesity because they are high in calories. Obesity is a primary risk factor for endometrial cancer. Women with excess body fat may have higher estrogen levels. This could increase the likelihood of contracting the illness.

• Medications: Tamoxifen is a medicine used to treat and prevent breast cancer. In the uterus, it can act like estrogen and may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

• Breast or Ovarian Cancer: Endometrial cancer may be more common in women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer. This is because some hormonal and reproductive factors are similar.

• Diabetes and Hypertension: Studies show that endometrial cancer is about twice as common in women with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is also more common in people who are overweight and physically inactive. These are also risk factors for endometrial cancer.

What Are the Stages in Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer can start in the uterus and spread to other parts of the body.

The place where cancer first starts is called the primary cancer site. When cancer spreads to other areas, it is called secondary cancer. Endometrial cancer is divided into four stages. These stages help doctors decide the best treatment plan. Cancer found in the early stage is easier to treat. When it spreads to other areas, treatment becomes more difficult.

• Stage 1: Cancer is found only in the uterus.

• Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the uterus and the cervix.

• Stage 3: Cancer has spread outside the uterus but has not reached the bladder or rectum. It may affect the ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, or nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 4: This is the most advanced stage. Cancer has spread beyond the pelvic area and may involve the bladder, rectum, or other organs.

How Is Endometrial Cancer Diagnosed?

Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed by a specialist in female reproductive health called a gynecologist. The doctor first asks about symptoms and performs a pelvic examination. This helps detect any abnormalities in the uterus and surrounding areas. Other tests used to diagnose endometrial cancer include:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves are used to produce images of the inside of the body. It helps detect problems in the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tubes.

• Abdominal Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the abdomen uses a transducer to examine the pelvic organs and detect abnormalities.

• Hysteroscopy: A thin tube containing a tiny camera is introduced into the uterus through the cervix during this procedure. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the uterus and collect tissue samples if needed.

• Endometrial Biopsy: A small sample of endometrial tissue is taken for this test. The sample is examined in a laboratory to check for cancer cells.

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): In this procedure, the cervix is gently widened. Special tools are then used to scrape tissue from the uterine lining. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

• Blood Test: Blood tests may show increased inflammatory cells and white blood cells. This can help doctors suspect cancer.

• X-ray: An X-ray can help detect the exact location of cancer and whether the bones are affected. It may also show some soft tissues.

How Can Endometrial Cancer Be Treated?

The cancer's stage and the patient's general health determine the course of treatment.

Among the choices are:

• Hysterectomy: In this surgery, the uterus is completely removed. After this procedure, the patient cannot become pregnant.

• Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed along with the uterus. This procedure is called salpingo-oophorectomy.

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and lower the chance that the disease will spread.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These medicines may be taken by mouth or given through an intravenous (IV) injection.

• Other treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and hormonal therapy may also be used. Patients also need emotional and physical support from family and friends during treatment.

Conclusion

Endometrial carcinoma develops in the uterine lining. It occurs in women after menopause. Women who have endometrial cancer usually experience unusual bleeding. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. Therefore, women who have endometrial cancer can recover from the disease with the right medical attention. Talk to a specialist in women's reproductive health for more detailed information.

Key Takeaways

• Endometrial cancer occurs in the endometrium of women.

• Old women, obese women, women with high estrogen levels, and women with a family history are at risk.

• Physicians use ultrasound, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, etc., to diagnose endometrial cancer.

• Endometrial cancer is often treatable, especially when it is found early and is still limited to the uterus. If it is not detected in time and spreads to other parts of the body, treatment becomes more difficult.

• So early diagnosis and prompt treatment are very important for better outcomes.