This type of cancer develops in the cells of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) that grows abnormally. Normally, the endometrium changes occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle. In the early part of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens to nourish the embryo when pregnancy occurs and at the end of the cycle the endometrial lining sheds as the menstrual period. The endometrial carcinomas are divided based on their appearance and consists of adenocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and transitional carcinoma. There are three grades of endometrial cancer; lower grade cancer (grade 1 and 2) and higher grade cancers (grade 3).
Causes
The exact cause of endometrial cancer is not known, however, some of the risk factors associated with developing endometrial cancer include the use of intrauterine device, diet, diabetes, family history of endometrial cancer, radiation therapy to treat other forms of cancer and the age of the woman. A woman’s natural hormone balance of progesterone and estrogen is regulated naturally and any changes in this can cause the development of endometrial cancer. Increases in the hormone estrogen in women are associated with the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Other factors include the estrogen therapy or menopausal hormonal therapy, birth control pills, pregnancy, obesity, ovarian tumours and polycystic ovarian syndrome can all affect the hormone balance and contribute to developing this disease.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms associated with endometrial cancer include the unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting or other abnormal vaginal discharge. It is estimated that around 90% of women with endometrial cancer have experienced unusual vaginal bleeding. Women already through the menopause phase should consult their physician, particularly when they experience any abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting to assess the cause of this. Other symptoms can include pain in the pelvis, unusual weight loss and feeling the presence of a mass, which are all usually indicative of the later stage of cancer. It is essential to have an early diagnosis for a successful and effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed after the women experience symptoms. However, if suspected of endometrial cancer, the gynaecologist can diagnose and treat the early forms of this cancer. The physician will examine the medical history, conduct a physical examination, pelvic examination and discuss the apparent symptoms. The pelvic ultrasound is the initial diagnostic test used to examine the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes in women who experience gynaecological problems. The transvaginal ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to examine any abnormalities of the uterus. Endometrial biopsy is one of the common types of test used to accurately diagnose endometrial cancer where a small section of endometrial tissue is removed to be examined under the microscope.
Treatment
The treatment for endometrial cancer is commonly a surgery but can include a combination of treatment depending on the stage and type of cancer. The treatment is also based on the woman’s health, age and plan of pregnancy in the future. The surgery can include the hysterectomy which is the removal of the uterus and cervix along with the removal of both the fallopian tubes and the ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Radiation therapy destroys the cancer cells with the x-rays, hormone therapy uses hormones or hormone-blocking medications to fight cancer and chemotherapy delivers cancer-fighting drugs which are useful when cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
References
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrialcancer/detailedguide/endometrial-uterine-cancer-risk-factors
https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/hp/endometrial-treatment-pdq#link/_253_toc
