Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer affects the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). It is the most common type of uterine cancer and can occur at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed in women who have gone through menopause. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among women, with around 7,000 new cases reported each year.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after menopause. Other symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Feeling a mass or lump in the pelvic area
- Weight loss without trying
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the outcome for women with endometrial cancer.
Risk factors of Endometrial Cancer
There are several risk factors that can increase a woman’s chances of developing endometrial cancer. Here are some common risk factors:
- Age: Endometrial cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women who have gone through menopause.
- Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
- Hormonal imbalances: Women with a history of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have a higher risk of endometrial cancer due to hormonal imbalances.
- Family history: Women with a family history of endometrial or colorectal cancer may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
- Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant or have a late onset of menopause may have an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
- Previous radiation therapy: Women who have received radiation therapy to the pelvis may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
- Certain genetic conditions: Women with Lynch syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) may have an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Treatment of Endometrial Cancer
Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on several factors such as the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. Here are some common treatments for endometrial cancer:
- Surgery: The most common treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues. This may be done through a hysterectomy, where the uterus and cervix are removed, or a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, where the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment makes use of high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: In chemotherapy, special drugs are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, or in combination with radiation therapy.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone Therapy uses medications to block the effects of estrogen on the body and help slow or stop the growth of endometrial cancer cells.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage and severity of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that is best for you. It’s important to note that early detection and treatment can greatly improve the outcome for women with endometrial cancer.
At Sanskriti Onco Care Hospital, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.