Home > All Videos > Symptoms of endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma 

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial carcinoma, endometrial cancer, is when malignant ( cancer cells) arise in the glands of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The Uterus is the hollow organ that sits behind the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. The top of the uterus above the opening of the fallopian tubes is called the fundus and the region below the opening is called the Uterine body.

The uterus tapers down into the uterine isthmus and finally the cervix, which protrudes into the vagina. Into the cervix, there are two openings, a superior opening up top, and an inferior opening down below, both of which have mucus plugs to keep the uterus closed off except during menstruation and right before ovulation.

It is found that due to changes in our lifestyle the cases of endometrial cancer are increasing day by day. That is why we should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Endometrial Cancer more than ever.

The most Common Symptoms of endometrial cancer are:

  1. Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
  2. Bleeding while intercourse
  3. Postmenopausal bleeding

The symptoms of endometrial cancer are usually abnormal uterine bleeding, periods aren’t normal for you. They can be much longer or heavier or have a lot of bleeding in between your periods. Sometimes uterine cancer or endometrial cancer can also have symptoms of pelvic pain or pain with intercourse and one of the most worrisome signs is bleeding after a woman has completed menopause.

Many people don’t know that any postmenopausal bleeding or any vaginal bleeding after you’ve gone through menopause is the most common symptom of uterine cancer. Recognizing symptoms early and taking action is the key.

Fortunately, symptoms are quite obvious and hard to unnoticed. When uterine cancer is caught early, it often responds well to treatment and can usually be cured. Uterine cancer happens when cancer cells form in a hollow pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis called the uterus.

Endometrial Cancer

Pelvic pain and pain during intercourse are some of the other symptoms of endometrial cancer. If you are facing any of these symptoms it is advised that you should consult your cancer expert as soon as possibly

Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

The doctor will review your family and medical history and carry out certain tests which may include pelvic examination, where a careful inspection of the uterus, vagina, rectum, and bladder is carried out to check for abnormalities.

Transvaginal ultrasound to look at the thickness of the endometrium and help rule out other conditions. Hysteroscopy allows your doctor to visualize and examine the inside of the uterus and endometrium.

Endometrial biopsy where a small portion of tissue from the endometrium is removed for testing in the lab. Dilation and curettage are procedures to remove tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. (Hysteroscopic biopsy is another method.) This is done if enough tissue can’t be removed during a biopsy or if biopsy results are unclear.

The stages of the cancer are determined based on how far the cancer has spread. This will help the doctor to determine the best treatment option. Tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests can be used to determine your cancer stage.

  • Stage 1, Cancer is confined to the uterus.
  • Stage 2, Cancer is present in both the uterus and cervix.
  • Stage 3, Cancer has spread beyond the uterus but hasn’t spread to the rectum and bladder.
  • Stage 4,Cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, and more distant parts of the body.

Treatment of Endometrial Cancer

The stage, your general health, and your preference will determine the treatment option. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the uterus as well as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams such as X-rays to kill cancer.

Hormone therapy may include either medication to increase the amount of progesterone in the body or medication to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body.

Chemotherapy involves using medication injected intravenously or taken orally to kill the cancer cell. Supportive care that aims to improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families is helpful. If combined with all of the other treatments people with cancer may live longer and feel better.

APPOINTMENT FORM

    About Author

    Dr. Nilesh is a renowned Cancer surgeon/consultant practicing at SSO Hospital, Infinity Media Surge Hospital, and Navkaar Cancer Clinic Mumbai and he is also a visiting consultant at various hospitals in Mumbai, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, etc. With over 10+ years of experience, he is highly trained and specialized in performing GI & Gynae cancer surgery procedures from the simplest to the most complicated surgeries.