The uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ that holds a developing foetus, is susceptible to cancer. The endometrium is a unique type of tissue that lines the uterus. Endometrial carcinoma is the term for cancer that develops in this lining.
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIAL CANCER?
Frequently observed symptoms of endometrial cancer are:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Heavy bleeding
- Post-menopausal bleeding
There are certain women who get endometrial cancer who have no established risk factors. It is impossible to determine which risk factor, if any, contributed to the development of endometrial cancer in a woman who already had one or more of them.
The likelihood of getting endometrial cancer is influenced by numerous factors, such as:
- Being overweight/ obese/ high percentage of body fat
- Tamoxifen, oestrogen (only hormone replacement therapy) after menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and nulliparous (never given birth)
- Increasing age
- Diabetes type 2
- Family history: if there are near relatives who have colorectal or endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer (Lynch syndrome)
- Having previously had endometrial hyperplasia or ovarian cancer
Symptoms
Frequently observed symptoms of endometrial cancer are:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Heavy bleeding
- Post-menopausal bleeding
Risk Factors
There are certain women who get endometrial cancer who have no established risk factors. It is impossible to determine which risk factor, if any, contributed to the development of endometrial cancer in a woman who already had one or more of them.
The likelihood of getting endometrial cancer is influenced by numerous factors, such as:
- Being overweight/ obese/ high percentage of body fat
- Tamoxifen, oestrogen (only hormone replacement therapy) after menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and nulliparous (never given birth)
- Increasing age
- Diabetes type 2
- Family history: if there are near relatives who have colorectal or endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer (Lynch syndrome)
- Having previously had endometrial hyperplasia or ovarian cancer
Diagnosis
Medical history and physical examination
The patient’s medical history, including any previous illnesses and treatments, will be recorded. An assessment of the body and pelvis is done to look for overall health indications, such as lumps or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.
Pelvic ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound exam looks at the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. A sonogram is an image of body tissues created by the echoes. Suspicious lesions can be identified by the doctor based on the ultrasonography.
Endometrial biopsy (outpatient)
A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus to remove tissue from the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus. The samples are subsequently examined under a microscope for cancerous cells by a pathologist. (Not all patients are suitable for this)
Hysteroscopy, dilatation and curettage
An internal examination of the uterus to detect abnormalities. The uterus is reached by passing a hysteroscope through the cervix and vagina. A hysteroscope is a tiny, tube-shaped device containing a viewing lens and a light.
Treatment
Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment options include:
Surgery
Mainstay of treatment
Radiotherapy
Use X-ray beams to destroy or harm cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy
Medication is used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. When used with radiation therapy, it can eradicate a tumour or eliminate remaining cells following surgery.
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced stages of cancer
Substances that target cancer cells are used in this form of treatment. They could carry out this action by: creating antibodies that combat malignant cells, stopping the development of blood arteries that nourish a tumour, and obstructing signals that encourage uncontrollably reproducing cells.
Prevention
There is no proven way to avoid endometrial cancer. However, there are certain things you may do to assist in reducing the likelihood that you will have this illness. Their basis lies in modifying your risk factors whenever it is feasible.
Achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle (food habit, sleep habit & exercise)
If you are at risk for hereditary Lynch syndrome.
