Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer (also known as endometrial carcinoma) is the cancer that arise from endometrium or lining of the uterus (womb). It is one of the most common gynecological cancer in women. Its incidence is prevailing among pre- and post-menopausal women.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer:
Women with endometrial cancer may experience the following changes:
- Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods or heavy bleeding during periods
- Pain in the pelvic area
Consult our gyneac oncosurgeon, Dr. Richa Bansal at Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Are Uterine and Endometrial Cancer the Same?
Uterine cancer may refer to endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma, or other rare forms of cancer arising from the uterus. Endometrial cancer arises from the lining of the uterus whereas uterine sarcoma arises from the muscle wall of the uterus. But, people mostly consider uterine and endometrial cancer the same as endometrial cancer is more common compared to other cancers that begin in uterus.
Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer:
- Older age
- Early menarche and late menopause
- Obesity
- Family history of endometrial cancer
- Radiation exposure
- Endometrial hyperplasia (thickened endometrium or uterine lining)
- Infertility (particularly with history of polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Long-term use of unopposed estrogens (hormone replacement therapy)
Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer:
The doctor may assess symptoms and check your medical history. A pelvic exam is performed to look for any abnormalities. Transvaginal ultrasound can be performed for further evaluation. If the results are abnormal, then the doctor may recommend biopsy, hysteroscopy (a thin tube containing light and camera is inserted into the vagina to look inside the uterus), or dilation and curettage or D&C (a procedure to remove tissue of the uterus by scooping or scraping).
Treatment of Endometrial Cancer:
Surgery with removal of uterus, both ovaries, fallopian tubes and complete pelvic and para aortic lymphadenopathy is the mainstay treatment for endometrial cancer. Surgery can be performed by open or robotic approach.
Robotic endometrial cancer surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic surgical system to remove the uterus and cervix. The robotic system allows the surgeon to operate through small incisions in the abdomen with enhanced visualization and dexterity.
Other treatment options for endometrial cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, age, and overall health.
Metastasis is an important concern in patients with high-risk early or advanced endometrial cancer. In such cases, the doctor may choose combination or multimodality therapy to treat the cancer.
Consult our gyneac oncosurgeon, Dr. Richa Bansal at Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.