Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial Cancer Causes
The exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown but increased levels of estrogen appear to have a role. Said hormone help stimulate the buildup of the epithelial lining of the uterus. Certain factors and medical conditions increase the risk of endometrial and among those are histories of endometrial polyps or other benign growths of the uterine lining, estrogen replacement therapy, the use of Tamoxifen, a drug for breast cancer treatment, diabetes, never being pregnant, starting menstruation at an early age, infertility, and starting menopause after the age of 50. There are also associated conditions to the disease namely obesity, hypertension, and polycystic ovarian disease.
Endometrial Cancer Definition
Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is one of the most common cancers in American women. About 40,000 American women receive a diagnosis of endometrial cancer each year, which makes it the fourth most common cancer found in women.
Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis
In the early stages of the disease, a pelvic examination is normal. Other tests to diagnose the disease include Pap smear, endometrial aspiration or biopsy, and dilation and curettage.
Endometrial Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Endometrial cancer has several symptoms including prolonged periods or bleeding between periods, more frequent vaginal bleeding or spotting during the years leading to menopause, any bleeding after the time of menopause, a pink, watery or white discharge from the vagina, pelvic pain late in the disease, pain during intercourse, and weight loss.
Endometrial Cancer Treatment
Treatments for endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For stage 1 of the disease, a hysterectomy may be performed. The most recommended type of hysterectomy for this stage is bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or the removal of the tubes and ovaries. When surgeons want to look inside the abdominal area and remove some tissue for a biopsy, an abdominal hysterectomy is performed. For women who are on stage 1 and 2 of the disease, surgery combined with radiation therapy is usually done. In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended especially among those with stage 3 and 4 disease.
Drugs used for treatment of Endometrial Cancer
Arimidex