Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.

Causes

• Cancer occurs between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but a few cases may occur before age 40.
• The following increase your risk of endometrial cancer:
  • Tamoxifen, a drug for breast cancer treatment
  • Never being pregnant
  • Obesity
  • Starting menstruation at an early age (before age 12)
  • Starting menopause after age 50
  • Diabetes
  • Estrogen replacement therapy without the use of progesterone
  • History of endometrial polyps or other benign growths of the uterine lining
  • Infertility (inability to become pregnant)
• Associated conditions include the following:
  • Colon or breast cancer
  • Hypertension
  • Polycystic ovarian disease

• Abnormal uterine bleeding, abnormal menstrual periods:
  • Bleeding between normal periods before menopause
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
• Extremely long, heavy, or frequent episodes of vaginal bleeding after age 40
• Lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramping
• Thin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause

• Endometrial aspiration or biopsy
• Dilation and curettage (D and C)
• Pap smear

• Treatment options involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
• A hysterectomy may be performed in women with the early stage 1 disease. Removal of the tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) is also usually recommended.
• Chemotherapy considered in some cases, especially for those with stage 3 and 4 disease.

1. The 1-year survival rate is about 92%.
2. The 5-year survival rate for endometrial cancer that has not spread is 95%. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, the 5-year survival rate drops to 23%.

• If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting after intercourse or douching:
  • Bleeding lasting longer than 7 days
  • Periods that occur every 21 days or more
  • Bleeding or spotting after 6 months or more of no bleeding at all

• All women should have regular pelvic exams beginning at the onset of sexual activity.