What is Endometrial cancer

Do you often experience pelvic pain? Is there vaginal bleeding after menopause? Then, beware! These could be symptoms of endometrial cancer.  

Endometrial Cancer is cancer that arises from the inner lining of the uterus, or the womb, called endometrium. There are also other cancers such as uterine sarcomas that arise from the uterus, but endometrial cancer is the most common, and its causes are unknown. Endometrial cancer tends to begin in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus, and it can also be called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common than endometrial cancer. Dr. Veena Aurangabadwala, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur helps you understand what it is, and how you can tackle it. 

Although the incidence of cancer is on the rise, the incidence of endometrial cancer is higher amongst the white population and lowest in India and Japan. The high-risk factors for endometrial cancer are age less than 60yrs, nulliparity ( lack of childbearing) persistent unopposed oestrogen ( in conditions such as PCOD, oestrogen secreting tumours, oestrogen only HRT , oestrogen producing ovarian/ adrenal tumours), late menopause, obesity, hypertension and diabetes, personal or family history of colon, ovarian or breast cancer and  iatrogenic( due to certain medications ).

The symptoms:
 

It is usually identified at an early stage, due to early symptoms. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which means any form of irregular vaginal bleeding in premenopausal women and any vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women. Other symptoms include lower abdominal/pelvic pain, watery or offensive vaginal discharge. 5 percent of women may have no symptoms, and hence there arises the need for screening ultrasound. 
 

 Risk factors:
 

Postmenopausal women have a high risk of endometrial cancer. One may get it, if she gets her first period early, is obese, has diabetes or high blood pressure,   infertility, irregular periods, or abnormal cells in the endometrium (called endometrial hyperplasia), and has a family history of endometrial, colorectal, or breast cancer. 

Treatment:

The treatment depends upon the stage of the disease at diagnosis. The usual treatment is a radical surgery involving removal of the uterus (both body and cervix), fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as adjoining portions of the vagina and draining lymph nodes. Concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be required to complete the treatment based on the stage of the disease. Moreover, breastfeeding, multiparity, consumption of combined oral contraceptives for 1-2 yrs during once lifetime has been found to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

Surveillance and follow-ups after completion of treatment are extremely essential in order to detect any relapse or distant spread of the disease. Also, remember that obesity raises the risk of endometrial cancer, to maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, increase your physical activity and cut down on your calorie intake, by opting for a well-balanced diet.  

Book Appointment: Dr. Veena Aurangabadwala, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur