Early Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

What Is Endometrial Cancer?

The uterus is the female genital organ that helps in the development of the fetus. The innermost layer of the uterus is known as the endometrium. When the cells of this layer grow abnormally and show abnormal features, it is called endometrial cancer. Sometimes doctors call it uterine cancer.

Where Endometrial Cancer Begins in the Uterus?

Endometrial cancer develops in the upper part of your uterus. This part is called the corpus. Column-shaped cells in your uterus are from the tubular gland in the inner lining. Unnatural growth of these cells forms polyp-shaped structures. As the cancer cells grow further, they invade the inner muscle layer of your uterus.

How Common Is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer arising from the female genital tract in the United States. Also, it is the fourth most common cancer among women. In the last few years, the prevalence of this cancer has increased a lot. Almost three percent of the women around the world are at risk of developing this cancer. This type of cancer is more common among women in North America and Western Europe. However, you can see the rising number of cases around the world.

This type of cancer is seen among women who are 45 or older. However, women who are in their sixties suffer more from this type of cancer. 90 percent of patients with endometrial cancer are over 50 years of age.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer?

The common signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer are;

1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding:

The most common symptoms that you will experience are abnormal bleeding from the vagina. This bleeding mainly occurs due to the spread of the cancer cells or cancer mass into your uterine blood vessels. As the blood vessels rupture due to the spread of the cancer, you will see unnatural bleeding. As this cancer is more common among older females, abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause is an important symptom. In general, women reach menopause in their mid-40s. This causes a stoppage in their periods. In cases of endometrial cancer, bleeding can happen after menopause.

However, it can affect young women too. In such cases, you can see heavy period bleeding or prolonged periods. Also, bleeding between your periods can happen due to endometrial cancer.

2. Unusual Vaginal Discharge:

Patients often notice abnormal discharges with bleeding in cases of endometrial cancer. Patients complain about watery, pink, white, or brown-tinged fluid from their vagina. Such discharges have a foul or fishy odor. The texture of such discharge can be watery or thick in nature. The presence of pus in the discharge can make it thicker. However, in almost 10 percent of cases, endometrial cancer discharge is present without any blood.

3. Pelvic Pain or Pressure:

Endometrial cancer warning signs include pelvic pain or pressure. However, patients experience pain at a later stage of the disease in the lower part of the abdomen. This pain occurs because cancer cells grow, blocking the blood supply. Also, the cancer lump put pressure on the nerve and caused pain. In case of an advanced endometrial cancer, it can spread to your spinal cord. This can injure the nerves in your spinal cord and cause pain. Also, you can experience pain while having sex or bending. Young women often experience excessive pain during periods or vaginal bleeding.

4. Pain During Intercourse:

Pain during intercourse is one of the major signs of endometrial cancer. One of the main reasons for this type of pain is dryness in your uterus and vagina due to cancer-related hormonal changes. Also, the spread of the cancer to your cervix or pelvic tissue can lead to pain during intercourse. You can feel this pain deep inside your pelvis or lower abdomen. Sometimes intercourse can also lead to bleeding.

5. Changes in Urination or Bowel Habits:

If you have endometrial cancer, it can affect your pattern of urination. Initially, you will have difficulty urinating. Pain during urination, burning sensation after urination, increased frequency of urination, and repeated urge to urinate are the main symptoms. These symptoms appear due to the spread of the cancer into your bladder. Also, you can feel constant pressure in your lower tummy even after peeing. In advanced cases, patients lose their ability to control urine due to nerve damage.

Sometimes, cancer can spread to the part of your lower intestine or rectum. This blocks the anal pathway. As a result, if it becomes difficult for the patient to poop.

What Are the Less Common Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer?

Rare uterine cancer symptoms include,

1. Some patients report rapid weight loss, weakness, and vomiting due to endometrial cancer. This weight loss may be related to the spread of cancer cells.

2. Anemia is another uncommon side effect of endometrial cancer. Excess blood loss is responsible for anemia, weakness, and fatigue.

3. If the cancer spreads to your small intestine, it can block your digestive tract. As a result, you will feel full after having a small amount of food.

When Should You See a Doctor?

No one should ignore the warning signs of endometrial cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible.

1. Prolonged or intermittent bleeding after your menopause.

2. Presence of foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

3. Pain in your lower tummy area or pelvic area.

4. Any discomfort during intercourse or while doing heavy work.

5. endometrial cancer symptoms before menopause

6. Endometrial cancer symptoms before menopause include heavy bleeding during periods or prolonged periods.

7. If you have any of the following conditions, the chances of endometrial cancer are higher.

• • You are taking a hormone replacement therapy.

  • You have been suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome for a long period.

  • You are suffering from obesity, diabetes, and infertility.

  • Any of your family members have a history of endometrial cancer or any type of gynecological cancer?

Conclusion

Endometrial cancer affects the inner lining of the uterus. It is very common among post-menopausal women, especially those who are above fifty. The most common symptoms of endometrial cancer are persistent vaginal bleeding. However, other symptoms like pelvic pain, pain during urination, and vaginal discharge are linked with it. If you have any further queries about endometrial cancer, consult a cancer specialist for further evaluation.

Key Takeaways

1. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer.

2. It is common among post-menopausal women.

3. Persistent vaginal bleeding with or without discharge is the most common sign.

4. Pelvic pain and urine issues are other common signs.