What is endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the lining of the uterus It is one of the malignant tumors found in the female reproductive organs. Endometrial cancer can occur in women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. Ninety percent are found in postmenopausal women, and only 3% are found in women under 40 years old. The uterus is a female reproductive organ made of muscle shaped like a pear. Inside is a cavity lined with soft endometrium with many small blood vessels to allow the embryo to implant during pregnancy. The endometrium itself, if there is abnormal cell division, can develop into endometrial cancer.
Causes of Endometrial Cancer
The cause of endometrial cancer in most patients, about 80-90%, is due to excessive estrogen hormone in the body, either from internal sources where the body produces too much estrogen, which is found in obese people or those with anovulation, or from external sources such as hormone medications or supplements. Excessive estrogen stimulates the endometrium to divide excessively, which may lead to abnormal cells and cancer.
Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
- Patients with diabetes and hypertension
- Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
- Women with infertility
- Those receiving hormone replacement therapy after menopause
- Breast cancer
- Those taking tamoxifen
- Family members with a history of genetic diseases
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding during or outside of menstruation
Abnormal vaginal discharge mixed with blood or pus
Endometrial Cancer Stages
Stage 1: The disease is still confined to the uterine wall
Stage 2: The disease has spread to the cervix
Stage 3: The disease has spread to the uterine serosa, ovaries, vagina, or pelvic tissues, pelvic lymph nodes, or abdominal lymph nodes
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to the bladder, colon, and metastasized to inguinal lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, or spread through blood vessels to other organs such as lungs, liver, peritoneum, and bones
Treatment Methods for Endometrial Cancer
There are several treatment methods for endometrial cancer. Doctors will consider the appropriate treatment for the patient by taking into account various factors including tumor type, disease stage, age, and health. Treatment methods include:
- Surgical treatment is the main treatment for endometrial cancer, involving removal of the uterus, ovaries, and both fallopian tubes, pelvic lymph nodes, and lymph nodes near the major blood vessels. Surgery not only removes the cancerous tissue in the uterine cavity but also helps determine the stage of the disease. Once the stage and spread of cancer are known, this information is used to decide on additional treatments (radiation or chemotherapy) whether they are needed and which type to use.
- Radiation therapy is used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to prevent recurrence.
- Chemotherapy is used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery or when the disease recurs.
