Endometrial cancer – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

One kind of cancer that starts in the uterus is endometrial cancer. The pear-shaped, hollow pelvic organ known as the uterus is where foetal development occurs.

The layer of cells that makes up the uterine lining (endometrium) is where endometrial cancer occurs. Uterine cancer is another name for endometrial cancer.

Uterine sarcoma is one of the several cancers that may develop in the uterus. However, it is considerably less prevalent than endometrial cancer.

Because it generally results in irregular vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer is usually found early. When endometrial cancer is caught early, it may often be treated surgically by eliminating the uterus.

Types of Cancers inside the Uterus

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing foetus before birth. Two types of cancers occur in the uterus, namely:

• Endometrial Cancer
• Cervical cancer

In the last decade, it has been found that the cases of cervical cancer are decreasing while the cases of endometrial cancer are increasing rapidly.

Also,Read- Types Of Endometrial Cancer

Causes of Endometrial Cancer

 

The exact aetiology of endometrial cancer is unknown. What is clear is that something takes place to cause changes (mutations) in the DNA of the cells that make up the endometrial or uterine lining.

Normal, healthy cells become aberrant cells as a result of the mutation. Healthy cells develop and increase at a certain pace before dying at a specific period.

Abnormal cells increase and reproduce out of control. A mass (tumour) of aberrant cells develops as they accumulate. Cancerous cells may infect neighbouring tissues and expand outside (metastasize) of an original tumour by separating from it.

High oestrogen exposure may raise a person’s chance of developing endometrial cancer. There is more of a risk for people who:

• Never had a pregnancy
• Begin menstruation before the age of 12
• The onset of menopause beyond age 55

Other factors consist of:

• Following menopause, using just oestrogen-based hormone treatment
• Preventing or treating breast cancer with medications
• Having had radiation treatment to the pelvis in the past
• A history of uterine cancer running in the family
• Suffering polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Having diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome
• Experiencing endometrial hyperplasia

Also,Read-Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

 

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of endometrial cancer’s most prevalent symptoms. This may consist of:

• Changed menstrual cycles in terms of their duration or heaviness
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between menstruation cycles
• Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
• The following are other signs of endometrial cancer:
• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain experienced during sexual intercourse
• An unexpected loss of weight

Schedule an appointment with your endometrial cancer doctor in Mumbai if you notice any of these signs. 

Treatment Methods

 

Surgery is usually required for endometrial cancer patients. Other therapies you could get include:

• Chemotherapy kills cancer cells with potent chemicals.
• Radiation therapy emits radiation beams with specific targets to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy either produces or suppresses hormones to cure cancer.
• Immunotherapy aids in the immune system’s battle against cancer.
• Targeted therapy uses drugs to target certain cancer cells and prevent their growth.

Conclusion

 

Your healthcare team will discuss your follow-up appointments when your treatment is over. Attending these visits is crucial. Your endometrial cancer doctor in Mumbai will perform a pelvic exam during the subsequent appointment.

You’ll be questioned about any signs as well. The objective is to ensure that cancer has not returned and that you are recovering well from therapy.

You may also discuss better life after cancer measures with your healthcare professional. Your overall health may be improved by eating right, getting sufficient sleep, and staying active.

Also Read :  Pregnancy after Endometrial Cancer : Is it Possible?