Endometrial Cancer

Home / Centres Of Excellence / Cancer Specialist Centre / Endometrial Cancer

What is Endometrial Cancer?

The uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ that holds a developing foetus, is susceptible to cancer. The endometrium is a unique type of tissue that lines the uterus. Endometrial carcinoma is the term for cancer that develops in this lining.

Frequently observed symptoms of endometrial cancer are:

Irregular vaginal bleeding
Heavy bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding

There are certain women who get endometrial cancer who have no established risk factors. It is impossible to determine which risk factor, if any, contributed to the development of endometrial cancer in a woman who already had one or more of them.

The likelihood of getting endometrial cancer is influenced by numerous factors, such as:

Being overweight/ obese/ high percentage of body fat
Tamoxifen, oestrogen (only hormone replacement therapy) after menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and nulliparous (never given birth)
Increasing age
Diabetes type 2
Family history: if there are near relatives who have colorectal or endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer (Lynch syndrome)
Having previously had endometrial hyperplasia or ovarian cancer

Diagnosis

Medical history and physical examination

The patient’s medical history, including any previous illnesses and treatments, will be recorded. An assessment of the body and pelvis is done to look for overall health indications, such as lumps or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

Pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound exam looks at the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. A sonogram is an image of body tissues created by the echoes. Suspicious lesions can be identified by the doctor based on the ultrasonography.

Endometrial biopsy (outpatient)

A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus to remove tissue from the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus. The samples are subsequently examined under a microscope for cancerous cells by a pathologist. (Not all patients are suitable for this)

Hysteroscopy, dilatation and curettage

An internal examination of the uterus to detect abnormalities. The uterus is reached by passing a hysteroscope through the cervix and vagina. A hysteroscope is a tiny, tube-shaped device containing a viewing lens and a light.

Treatment

Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment options include:

Surgery

Main stay of treatment

Radiotherapy

Use X-ray beams to destroy or harm cancerous cells.

Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced stages of cancer

Substances that target cancer cells are used in this form of treatment. They could carry out this action by: creating antibodies that combat malignant cells, stopping the development of blood arteries that nourish a tumour, and obstructing signals that encourage uncontrollably reproducing cells.

Chemotherapy

Medication is used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. When used with radiation therapy, it can eradicate a tumour or eliminate remaining cells following surgery.

Latest Highlights

❮ ❯

Centres of Excellence

Cancer Specialist Centre

Bone & Joint Centre

Brain & Spine Centre

Eye Specialist Centre

Men’s Health & Urology Centre

Women’s Specialist Centre

Health Screening & Wellness Centre

Clinical Research Center

Prevention

There is no proven way to avoid endometrial cancer. However, there are certain things you may do to assist in reducing the likelihood that you will have this illness. Their basis lies in modifying your risk factors whenever it is feasible.

Achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle (food habit, sleep habit & exercise)

If you are at risk for hereditary Lynch syndrome.