Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is also known as uterine cancer and is one of the most common gynecologic cancers affecting the reproductive system. 

It is more common in women above 50 years of age who have gone through menopause, but younger females can also develop this cancer.

It is categorized into 4 stages:

• Stage I: The cancer is in the uterus and hasn’t spread beyond
• Stage II: The cancer has spread to the cervix from the uterus
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lymph nodes
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the urinary bladder, abdomen, and rectum 

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is often found at an early stage because of the symptoms such as:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• A watery vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty urinating
• Bleeding between periods
• Change in bowel habits

It is important to consult a medical professional, as these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that someone has endometrial cancer. 

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of endometrial cancer is not known, but something happens to the cells in the lining of the uterus that changes them into cancer cells. 

While the causes are unknown but some risk factors can increase the chances:

• Hormone Imbalance: Excess estrogen and progesterone 
• Early Menstruation or Late Menopause: Start of menstruation before age 12 or beginning of menopause after 55
• Age: Women aged 50 or above
• Have Chronic Disease: High blood pressure and diabetes
• Obesity: Having excess body weight increases the estrogen levels
• Never Having Been Pregnant: Women who have never been pregnant are more prone than those who have had at least one pregnancy
• Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer: Use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment
• Family History: Genetic disorders

How to Diagnose Endometrial Cancer?

Here are some diagnostic tests to confirm endometrial cancer:

• Pelvic Exam: A medical tool, speculum is used to look inside the vagina to check any abnormalities
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: To visualize the uterus and the ovaries and to measure the thickness of the uterine lining
• Endometrial Biopsy: A sample of the uterine lining is collected and examined under the microscope
• CT or MRI Scans: To get detailed images of the uterus and surrounding areas
• Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope is used to examine the inside of the uterus
• Dilation & Curettage: Removing a sample of uterine tissue for testing
• Blood Tests: To measure the elevated levels of CA-125 protein

There is no routine screening test for endometrial cancer, and women with Lynch syndrome may be screened annually with endometrial biopsies. 

What are the Treatment Options for Endometrial Cancer?

If the diagnostic tests confirm endometrial cancer, your healthcare provider will assess your medical condition and recommend the best treatment for you. 

Treatment options include:

Surgery

Hysterectomy is the primary surgical option for treating endometrial cancer. It involves removing the uterus and cervix. Four types of hysterectomy procedures are:

• Total abdominal hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus by making an incision in the abdomen
• Vaginal hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus through the vagina
• Radical hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, its surrounding tissues, and top part of the vagina
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus by making multiple incisions via laparoscopically or robotically

During a hysterectomy, two other procedures are also performed:

• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Lymph node dissection (lymphadenectomy): Removal of lymph nodes

Many women who have endometrial cancer need their ovaries removed, but still they’ll go through menopause if they haven’t. If someone is below 45 and premenopausal, it is essential to talk to their healthcare provider about the removal of the ovaries.

Helpful:- Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Radiation Therapy

It uses X-ray beams to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be done after surgery or for those who can not have surgery. 

Radiation therapy is used to risk of recurrence of the cancer. It can be:

• External: The patient lies near a machine that aims X-rays at the cancer
• Internal: A small radioactive device is placed inside the body for a few minutes

Also Read: Radiation Therapy Cost in Apollo Hospital 

Hormone Therapy

Sometimes, a cancer uses hormones of the body to grow. They are known as hormone-sensitive cancers. 

Hormone therapy is used in specific cases, such as hormone-sensitive cancers, in which a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) is placed in the uterus.

Also Read:- Hormone Therapy Cost in India

Chemotherapy

It is used in the advanced stage when the cancer has spread beyond the uterus. 

It uses medicine to kill or inhibit the cancer cells’ growth. The primary aim of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells and cause minimal damage to healthy cells.

Also Read:- Chemotherapy cost in Max Hospital

Post-Treatment Management

After endometrial cancer treatment, it is vital to take care of yourself.

• Go for regular check-ups every 3-6 months
• Report symptoms like vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain for recurrence
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Is Endometrial Cancer Curable?

Endometrial cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. If anyone notices any unusual symptoms like vaginal bleeding, it is vital to consult your doctor as early as possible.

Endometrial cancer is curable when examined and treated early by removing the uterus. The doctor will make sure that the cancer hasn’t spread to other body parts. 

Prevention

There is no way to prevent endometrial cancer, but essential steps can be taken to reduce the risks:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage diabetes
• Stay physically active
• Manage hormone therapy
• Use oral contraceptive pills
• Minimize Tamoxifen use
• Manage menstrual and ovulation disorders
• Get regular check-ups 

Bottom Line

Endometrial cancer has a high survival rate when caught early. Being aware of abnormal symptoms and regular check-ups helps patients reduce the risks. Speak to your healthcare provider for personalized prevention strategies to live a healthy life.