Endometrial cancer:-
Endometrial cancer is more common in Western countries. But if not treated, this disease can spread to other body parts.
This article is here to help you understand more about this disease and its symptoms. Learning about these symptoms can help you prevent further health problems.
Types of endometrial cancer:-
To understand what causes endometrial cancer, let’s first know where it starts in the uterus. The uterus has two main parts: the myometrium and the endometrium. The endometrium goes through changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It’s also where endometrial cancer begins and can spread to other organs if not caught early.
Doctors have identified different types of endometrial cancer based on how the cells look under a microscope:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Small cell carcinoma
- Uterine carcinosarcoma (CS)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Serous carcinoma
- Transitional carcinoma
The symptoms and how the cancer spreads depend on its type. For instance, type 1 cancer spreads slowly, while type 2 can spread faster.
Since symptoms can vary, it’s crucial to be aware of them to catch the cancer early and prevent it from spreading.
Endometrial cancer symptoms:-
If you have this condition, you might notice these common symptoms:
- Bleeding from the vagina after menopause or between periods.
- Feeling strong pain in your pelvic area and discomfort when you pee.
- Having discharge from your vagina that’s watery or tinged with blood.
- Feeling pain during sex.
Type 1 endometrial cancer develops slowly and can often be cured if found early. But because many people don’t know much about it, it’s hard to spot
Endometrial cancer causes:-
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact causes of endometrial cancer. However, researchers believe it begins when changes occur in the DNA of endometrial cells. These changes turn healthy cells into abnormal ones, eventually forming a tumor.
While endometrial cancer can’t be prevented entirely, women can watch for symptoms and understand risk factors to stay safe.
Postmenopausal women face higher risks if they:
- Started their periods early.
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Experience irregular periods, obesity, infertility, or abnormal endometrial cells.
- Have family members with a history of colorectal, endometrial, or breast cancer
Endometrial cancer stages:-
Endometrial cancer is divided into four stages based on how far it has spread:
- Stage I: Cancer is only in the uterus.
- Stage II: Cancer affects both the uterus and cervix.
- Stage III: Cancer may have spread outside the uterus but not to the bladder or rectum. It might also be in the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis and could be in the rectum, bladder, or distant organs.
Treatment varies depending on the stage. Early detection offers more treatment options and a better chance of recovery.
Diagnose Endometrial Cancer:-
Treatment for endometrial cancer can only begin once gynecologists have a clear understanding of how far the disease has spread and where it’s located. Cancer treatments can be aggressive and often come with side effects, so getting the right diagnosis is essential before starting any therapy.
The first step is a pelvic exam to look for any abnormalities in the uterus and check for the presence of a tumor. Doctors may also perform a transvaginal ultrasound.
In addition, there are other tests that doctors may recommend:
- Endometrial Biopsy: A thin tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to collect a tissue sample for examination.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): If biopsy results aren’t clear, doctors may use this method to collect more endometrial tissue.
- Hysteroscopy: This involves inserting a thin tube with a tiny camera into the uterus to get a closer look.
Once the symptoms and test results confirm endometrial cancer, the doctor will create a treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer
Treatments for Endometrial Cancer:-
Each treatment option has its risks. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly assess these risks and the patient’s overall health before deciding on a treatment plan.
Common treatment options for endometrial cancer include:
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, contact your doctor immediately.
FAQ:-
Q1:- What are the first signs of endometrial cancer?
Ans:- Unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, or other discharge
Q2:- Is endometrial cancer very curable?
Ans:- Yes but if it is caught at an early stage.
Q3:- What is end-stage endometrial cancer?
Ans:- These endometrial cancers have grown into the bladder or bowel.
Also learn about 3 Types of Cervical Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment