Endometrial Cancer

Key Takeaways

Endometrial cancer begins in the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). About 3 out of every 100 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives, and more than 4 out of 5 women diagnosed with uterine cancer live at least five years or longer.

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may include changes in menstrual cycle or flow, spotting between periods, or bleeding after menopause.

Treatment options include surgery (hysterectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. The specific treatment plan depends on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health.

Uterine cancer occurs when the cells of the uterus grow uncontrollably. The most common type is called endometrial cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it mainly affects women who have gone through menopause, though it can also occur around menopause.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that the average age at diagnosis is about 60. Experts estimate that over 60,000 new cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Continue reading to learn more about endometrial cancer, its causes, risk factors, and other important information.

---

What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium).

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 3 in every 100 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in their lifetime. More than 4 out of 5 women diagnosed live at least five years or longer.

Early diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

---

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may include:

• Changes in menstrual cycle length or flow

• Bleeding or spotting between periods

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Other possible symptoms:

• Watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge

• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Unexplained weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious condition, but evaluation is important.

Abnormal bleeding can occur due to menopause or non-cancerous conditions, but in some cases, it may signal endometrial cancer or other gynecologic cancers.

Your doctor can help determine the cause and provide appropriate care.

---

Causes of Endometrial Cancer

In most cases, the exact cause is unknown. However, experts believe that changes in estrogen and progesterone hormones play a role.

When hormone levels fluctuate, the endometrium may be affected. Increased estrogen can cause endometrial cells to divide rapidly.

Genetic changes in these cells can lead to cancer, forming tumors. Scientists are still studying why these cells become cancerous.

---

Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer

Risk increases with age. Most cases occur in women aged 45 to 74. Other risk factors include:

Hormonal factors

• Estrogen and progesterone affect endometrial health. High estrogen levels increase risk.

Medical history

• Long menstrual history (more cycles = more estrogen exposure)

• Never being pregnant

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes high estrogen and low progesterone

• Granulosa cell tumors in the ovaries, which produce estrogen

Medication effects

• Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) with estrogen alone

• Tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment

• Oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may reduce risk

Other conditions

• Endometrial hyperplasia: non-cancerous thickening of the endometrium

• Obesity: BMI ≥30 triples the risk due to increased estrogen from fat tissue

• Diabetes (Type 2): may double the risk, possibly due to higher body weight

• Family history or genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome

Even with risk factors, some women never develop cancer, and some develop it without known risks. Regular check-ups and prompt evaluation of changes are crucial.

---

Stages of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is divided into four stages based on the extent of spread:

• Stage 1: Cancer is only in the uterus

• Stage 2: Cancer in the uterus and cervix

• Stage 3: Cancer has spread beyond the uterus but not outside the pelvic cavity

• Stage 4: Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis

---

Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

If symptoms are present, doctors may perform:

• Physical and pelvic examination

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• Tissue sampling through endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, or dilation and curettage (D&C)

---

Types of Endometrial Cancer

• Most common: Adenocarcinoma

• Other types: Uterine carcinosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.

---

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Removal of uterus and sometimes ovaries/fallopian tubes

• Radiation therapy: External or internal

• Chemotherapy: Using drugs

• Targeted therapy & immunotherapy: Newer treatments

• Hormone therapy: For specific cases

---

Emotional Support

Cancer can affect mental health. Seek support from mental health professionals or support groups.

---

Reducing Risk

• Maintain healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Seek medical attention for abnormal bleeding

• Discuss hormone therapy risks and benefits with your doctor

• Consider benefits of birth control pills or IUD

• If there is a family history of cancer, consult your doctor

---

Summary

If you experience vaginal bleeding or other symptoms, see your doctor promptly. Early treatment increases the likelihood of a good long-term outcome.