Quick overview of the symptoms of endometrial cancer
Symptoms of endometrial cancer might include:
- Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pain in the pelvis
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping just beneath your stomach
- Thin white or clear vaginal discharge if you are postmenopausal
- Significantly prolonged, heavy, or frequent vaginal bleeding if you are over 40
See your doctor promptly if you experience any symptoms listed above.
What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer is a form of cancer originating from abnormal cell growth in the uterus. The uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ, is where fetal development takes place. The term uterine cancer broadly encompasses any cancer that occurs in the uterus.
Endometrial cancer arises from the cells lining the uterus, the endometrium. It is often called uterine cancer. Although other cancers can occur in the uterus, like uterine sarcoma, they are far less common than endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer is typically detected early due to its symptoms. The initial sign is often irregular vaginal bleeding. Early detection usually allows for a cure through surgical removal of the uterus.
Are endometrial cancer and uterine cancer the same condition?
Uterine cancer includes endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Many people confuse the two, as ‘endometrial cancer’ makes up roughly 95% of all uterine cancers. Diagnoses of uterine sarcoma are rare.
What are the underlying causes of endometrial cancer?
The exact initial trigger of endometrial cancer remains unknown, but most cases appear to be driven by unopposed estrogen exposure (an increase of estrogen relative to progesterone), obesity-related hormone changes, and in some cases, inherited genetic mutations.
It is understood that DNA alterations happen in the cells lining the uterus, known as the endometrium, leading them to become cancerous. This causes the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Additionally, cells are prevented from dying as they usually do during their lifecycle. This leads to an accumulation of cells, which may form a lump called a tumor. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and harm healthy ones. Over time, they can also detach and metastasize to other areas of the body.
What risk factors are linked to endometrial cancer?
Factors that increase the risk of endometrial cancer include the following.
- Hormonal changes in the body: involve the ovaries producing mainly estrogen and progesterone. Variations in these hormones, particularly an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone, can disrupt the endometrium.
- Having more years of menstruation: increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Starting periods before age 12 or having menopause later extends the time the endometrium is exposed to estrogen. As a result, more menstrual cycles lead to greater estrogen exposure of the uterine lining.
- Not having been pregnant: at all raises your risk of endometrial cancer compared to someone who has experienced at least one pregnancy.
- With older age: your risk of endometrial cancer increases, particularly after menopause.
- Obesity: increases the risk of endometrial cancer, possibly because excess body fat can interfere with hormone balance.
- Hormone therapy for breast cancer: involves using medications like tamoxifen, which can raise the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer. If you’re on tamoxifen, consult your healthcare team to discuss these risks. Generally, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the minor risk of endometrial cancer for most individuals.
- Lynch syndrome: is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of cancer, especially colon and endometrial cancers. It happens because of a DNA mutation inherited from parents.
How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?
Tests and procedures employed to diagnose endometrial cancer include the following tests.
- A pelvic exam evaluates the reproductive organs and is typically part of a routine checkup. However, it may be needed if symptoms of endometrial cancer are present.
- Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of your body and can help your doctors find the location and size of your cancer. One example is a transvaginal ultrasound. Other imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may also be recommended.
- A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a hysteroscope to examine the endometrium. The hysteroscope’s lens allows the provider to visualize the uterine cavity and the endometrium.
- A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample for testing. Specifically, an endometrial biopsy collects a sample from the uterus lining.
If diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you will probably be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist in treating reproductive system cancers.
What are the treatment options for uterine cancer?
Most women with endometrial cancer need surgery. Your treatment plan depends on the cancer type and your overall health. Additional treatment options may include the following.
- Chemotherapy uses potent drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy uses targeted radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy treats cancer by either administering hormones or blocking their effects.
- Immunotherapy aids your immune system in fighting cancer.
- Targeted therapy uses medications designed to attack specific cancer cells and stop their growth.
- Surgery is usually the primary treatment for endometrial cancer. Most patients will likely have a hysterectomy, involving the removal of the uterus and cervix.
Your doctor will suggest the most appropriate and effective treatment option for your condition.
What are the steps to prevent endometrial cancer?
To reduce your risk of endometrial cancer, consider the following actions:
- Consult your doctor about potential risks associated with hormone therapy following menopause.
- Consider using birth control pills.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your diabetes.
Check Endometrial Cancer Symptoms Now
Living with the endometrial cancer
Discuss any unusual bleeding or spotting with your doctor. If you have a hereditary risk for endometrial cancer, such as a genetic predisposition, consult your doctor about annual testing. You may need an endometrial biopsy every year starting at age 35. After treatment, your care team will review and adjust your follow-up schedule, and you must attend these appointments. During check-ups, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and inquire about symptoms to ensure the cancer has not returned and that you are recovering well. You can also discuss ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle after cancer, including good nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Uterine cancer, which includes endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma, is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. Physicians often use the term endometrial cancer to refer to uterine cancer because it is the most prevalent type. Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause. Detecting it early, before it spreads, can result in a cure through surgery. When detected and diagnosed early, and if the cancer is confined to the uterus, the 5-year survival rate is usually excellent (90–95%). However, the overall 5-year survival rate across all stages is lower (80–82%), because advanced disease has poorer outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is most commonly affected by endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer most frequently occurs in individuals who have experienced menopause, which typically happens around age 51.
What symptoms suggest uterine cancer?
Inform your doctor about any irregular bleeding. This includes bleeding between periods if you still have menstrual cycles, or bleeding and spotting if you are postmenopausal. Abnormal bleeding may indicate various conditions, such as endometrial cancer.
Is a screening test available for uterine cancer?
No routine screening tool for endometrial cancer is available at this time. Nonetheless, if you are at a high risk, doctors may recommend targeted surveillance.
Is it necessary for me to have my ovaries removed?
Many women diagnosed with uterine cancer require ovary removal. However, this procedure can lead to menopause if it hasn’t happened yet. If you’re under 45 and still premenopausal, consult your healthcare team to consider whether keeping your ovaries might be advisable.
What are the potential complications associated with endometrial cancer?
Early detection by your doctor often results in a very favorable prognosis. Possible complications include anemia, metastasis (spread of cancer to different regions), and an inadequate response to treatment. In worst case scenario, endometrial cancer may be fatal.
