Endometrial cancer is the cancer that develops in the tissue lining the uterus.Most of the endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas, a cancer that begin in cells that make release mucus and other fluids.
This is one of the most common cancers in American women.
Sometimes, endometrial cancer can also be referred as uterine cancer, however there are various other cells in your uterus that can become cancerous, such as myometrial and muscle cells.
Endometrial cancer can be detected very easily, because it causes vaginal bleeding in between your menstrual periods or even after the menopause. If the cancer is detected early, surgical removal of uterus can eliminate the cancer completely.
1. What causes endometrial cancer?
Usually, healthy cells can grow and divide in an orderly manner for proper functioning of your body. But, sometimes, these cells become mutate and grow out of control. The process of cell division continues even it is not necessary. Sometimes, these abnormal cells can become infected and destroy nearby tissues. They also spread to various other body parts and start going there.
The main reason for the growth of these cells is still unknown, but researchers believe that abnormal levels of estrogen play a role in the development of endometrial cancer.
2. What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?
Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer. The first sign to observe is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Here are symptoms of endometrial cancer that you experience:
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pain during intercourse
- Unexpected weight loss
- Prolonged or bleeding between the menstrual periods
- Abnormal and nonbloody discharge from the vagina
- Difficult or painful urination
Usually, women produce two hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Each month, the balance between these two hormones alters. If the balance slightly changes and causes more estrogen production, then it stimulates the growth of the endometrium, which is a major cause to develop endometrial cancer.
Here are some risk factors for endometrial cancer:
- Menstruation for too many years –That is menstruation started before the age of 12 or menopause began too late.
- Not having been pregnant
- Obesity
- Irregular ovulation
- Diabetes
- Consuming high fat diet
- Estrogen replacement therapy
- Ovarian tumors
- Women older than 55 years
- Race – Black women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer
- History of breast and ovarian cancers
Your doctor will perform a physical and pelvic examination. If your doctor feels any lumps or alterations in the uterus size, then there can be a problem. Here are various tests performed to detect endometrial cancer:
Endometrial biopsy: During this procedure a cell sample or tissue from uterine lining is taken from inside of your uterus for laboratory analysis.
Pap smear: A cell sample from your cervix is taken for observation. Usually pap smear is performed to detect cervical cancer.
Transvaginal ultrasound: This test helps to observe the lining and thickness of the endometrium, by inserting a transducer into your vagina.
Dilation and curettage: During the procedure, tissue is scraped from the lining of your uterus and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
You will need to undergo some more tests, to detect cancer in other parts of the body. They include: chest X-ray, CT scan and blood test.
5. How does the condition treated?
Surgery is the most common treatment. Your doctor recommends either surgical removal of the uterus or surgical removal of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Also, it is essential to remove lymph nodes including other tissue samples.
If you have severe form of endometrial cancer or cancer that spread to various other body parts, then you need to undergo more treatments. They include: radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
6. How to prevent the condition?
Most of this cancer cases can’t be prevented, but there are certain ways that decrease the risk of developing the cancer.
Usage of birth control pills – Women who take oral contraceptives for longer years are at decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Undergoing hormone therapy along with progesterone – As estrogen stimulates cancer growth, taking progestine can cause the lining of the uterus to shed. This type of combination therapy lowers your risks, but not all the effects of hormone therapy are positive.
Maintain balanced weight – As obesity is one of the most common risk factors of endometrial cancer, maintaining healthy weight can decrease your risk.
Exercising – Women who exercise everyday are at half the risk of developing endometrial cancer than women who do not exercise.
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