The uterus is an organ of the female reproductive system, which normally carries the foetus in the pregnant woman till childbirth. There are two parts of the uterus, the upper part called the body and the lower part extending into vagina called the cervix. Again, the body of the uterus has two layers. The uterus’s inner layer is the endometrium and outer layer of muscle or myometrium. It is this muscle layer which pushes the baby out in childbirth.
What are endometrial cancers ?
Endometrial Cancers are basically tumours of the innermost lining of the womb or the uterus, known as the endometrium.
What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer ?
- Intake of only estrogen without taking progesterone, for example in the treatment of menopause.
- Being obese or overweight.
- Having a family history of endometrial cancer.
- Having hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome).
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Having a condition called Endometrial hyperplasia, in which there is an overgrowth of endometrium.
- Having ovarian tumours that produce estrogen.
- Getting radiation therapy for another tumour to the pelvis.
What are the types of endometrial cancer ?
There are several types of cancers that can initiate in the endometrium.
Cancers that are initiated in the lining epithelial cells of the body are carcinomas.
A majority of the endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that arise from glandular cells in the endometrium.
There are other types of cancer, which may occur in the cervix. Examples include sarcomas which are quite rare.
What are the clinical features of endometrial cancers ?
Symptoms of endometrial cancers include vaginal bleeding or foul smelling, yellowish discharge. Bleeding or spotting after menopause can also be noted. Pain or a lump in the abdomen, lethargy, or weight loss can also occur.
How are endometrial cancers diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the abdomen is mandatory.
- An ultrasound of the uterus will have to be undergone to see its lining. The endometrial cancer check-up involves pelvic ultrasonography, endometrial biopsy, or dilatation and curettage (D&C) with or without hysteroscopy.
- Dilatation And Curettage (D&C) : If the biopsy sample is inadequate, or if it is hard to tell if the patient has cancer, a Dilatation And Curettage or a D & C has to be performed. The patient’s cervix is opened or dilated and a particular curettage instrument removes tissue from the uterus. This is done in the operating room, when patient is under general anesthesia.
- Hysteroscopy : This is a way the doctors can scan and examine the uterus. The doctor with the help of a miniature telescope inserted through the cervix, can see entire uterus.
- Endometrial Biopsy: It is basically removed tissue examined under a microscope by a pathologist guides the diagnosis.
- Imaging Tests : To determine the exact extent of disease, additional tests may need to be performed so doctors can view, assess and judge the cancer. These imaging tests include the following such as X- rays, CT Scan, MRI Scan or PET Scans.
- CA 125 Blood Test: CA 125 is basically a substance that several endometrial and ovarian cancers liberate in the blood. This test can show how much the cancer has spread, by showing levels in blood or in seeing how the treatment is progressing.
How are endometrial cancers staged ?
The stage is the exact spread of the disease in the human body. Staging is used to assess the risks and prognosis associated with the cancer extent to determine the appropriate treatment. The less advanced the stage, the better the prognosis.
Stages are labelled using the number 0 and Roman numerals I through IV (that is 1-4). Some of these stages are further divided (for example, IIIA, IIIB). As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. The higher the number, in this instance, stage IV (4), means a definitely more advanced cancer.
How are endometrial cancers treated ?
The main modalities for treatment of endometrial cancer include surgery, as well as a combination of other therapies. These are –
- Surgery
- Radiation treatment
- Hormone treatment
- Chemotherapy (chemo)
The standard treatment is basically surgical. A surgical intervention has to be done on the uterus and the removal of lymph nodes, as well within the pelvis.
Patients can have a simple surgical removal of the uterus and cervix called simple hysterectomy or the surgical removal of the ovaries and the upper vagina as well as the uterus called radical hysterectomy.
For more advanced stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be given together. In this external radiotherapy, external radiation is targeted at the tumour as well as lymph nodes & vessels. The chemotherapy has an arsenal drugs to kill the remnant cancer cells in the body. Hormone therapy for endometrial cancer is the use of hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to fight cancer. This type of hormone treatment is different from the hormones given to treat the symptoms of menopause.
What is the care to be taken after the treatment of endometrial cancer ?
Metastatic diagnostic workup and monitoring post-treatment has to include imaging and scanning of the limbs, thorax, chest, retroperitoneum, and abdomen with radiography, MRI or CT scans.
Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required in cases wherein excision cannot be done completely.
How can endometrial cancers be prevented ?
Eating healthy, staying healthy and doing exercise all help to prevent endometrial cancers.
In menopause, estrogen alone (without progesterone) should not be taken, unless the uterus is removed. If a woman has a health problem of endometrial hyperplasia, it should be treated before it may become cancerous.
How to find and reach cancer specialists for endometrial cancer treatment ?
Now you can find and reach cancer specialists for endometrial cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple cancer specialists, cost estimates for endometrial cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals, compare things and then choose a cancer specialist or a cancer hospital for endometrial cancer treatment.
Find, reach and choose a cancer specialist for endometrial cancer treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
