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Endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer in the female reproductive system, occurring in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Although the exact cause is not known, the risk of endometrial cancer increases when the hormone estrogen in the body is not balanced by the hormone progesterone. Especially during menopause, as ovulation and menstrual cycles decrease, this balance is disrupted, leading to an increased risk of cancer.
Conditions that can cause unopposed estrogen levels include:
The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which is the first sign in 90% of cases. In younger women, symptoms may include increased heaviness of menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after intercourse.
Your doctor will first perform a gynecological examination to determine the size of your uterus and will conduct a smear test. If there is a suspicion of endometrial cancer, a sample (endometrial biopsy) will be taken from the uterus and sent for pathological examination. This procedure involves very thin instruments and is usually quick and minimally painful.
Another method involves dilating the cervix with special instruments and taking a sample from the uterus through curettage. Local or general anesthesia is used during this procedure. There may be some vaginal bleeding and discomfort for a few days after curettage. Sometimes, this procedure is performed to reduce severe vaginal bleeding.
Your doctor may also request various blood and urine tests, as well as a chest X-ray. Blood tests can reveal the presence of anemia and diabetes, or whether the disease has spread to the liver and kidneys. A chest X-ray is important for detecting metastasis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer are crucial for preventing the spread to other organs. When diagnosed early, surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding lymph nodes can provide a complete cure.
Endometrial cancer is classified based on the stage of the disease and the type of cells (grade). In advanced stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be necessary in addition to surgical treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, 80% of patients live more than five years.
If you are at risk for this cancer, in addition to paying attention to your overall health, you should regularly undergo gynecological examinations. Early diagnosis is very important in the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Since the exact cause is not known, it is not possible to guarantee complete prevention. However, you can reduce your risk with the following recommendations:
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