Endometrial Cancer Facts
The terms, "uterine cancer" and "endometrial cancer," are often used interchangeably. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs among American women. It can often be cured, especially when diagnosed early.
Endometrial cancer develops from the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. (It is this lining that is shed every month during your menstrual period.)
Most women with endometrial cancer are diagnosed after menopause, although some women develop the disease earlier, around the time menopause begins.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom. Because bleeding is a symptom, the disease is often caught early. Women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and are considering estrogen replacement therapy should talk to their doctors to assess their risk of endometrial cancer.
Nearly all endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas--cancers of the glandular cells.
Three less common uterine cancers that do not come from glandular tissue of the endometrium are classified as uterine sarcomas, but can involve the endometrium. These are:
- stromal sarcomas, which develop in the stroma (supporting connective tissue) of the endometrium;
- malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (that may combine features of endometrial carcinoma and those of sarcomas); and
- leiomyosarcomas, which start in the myometrium (muscular wall of the uterus).
Symptoms
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial or uterine cancer. A woman should see her doctor if she has any of the following symptoms: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, or pain in the pelvic area.
Diagnosis
The most accurate way to diagnose endometrial cancer is with an endometrial biopsy. According to the American Cancer Society, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is the only risk factor with sufficient risk to warrant routine screening.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity, hypertension, diabetes, inappropriate estrogen use, tamoxifen use, never having had children, and late menopause.
Many of these are also risk factors for breast cancer, or are due to breast cancer treatment (taking tamoxifen, for example).
An additional risk factor is hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (a syndrome where family members have colon cancer).
Most known risk factors for endometrial cancer concern the balance between estrogen and progesterone in the body. The risk is lowest in women who have taken oral contraceptives for a long time. On reaching menopause, all women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Menopausal women are strongly encouraged to report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their physicians.