Endometrial Cancer originates from the lining of the uterus due to the growth of certain abnormal cells. These cells spread to various parts of the body either through blood or lymph nodes. This particular type of cancer mostly occurs after menopause and is also associated with other diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and excessive exposure to oestrogen along with obesity.
Birth control pills with the right combination oestrogen and progesterone reduce to vulnerability to endometrial cancer. Roughly 2-5% of endometrial cancer cases are found to be generic and hereditary in nature. The cancer is commonly referred to as uterine cancer however it is very different from other types of uterine cancers. Diagnosis of this particular cancer is easy and can be done through dialysis, endometrial biopsy or curettage.
Treatment of the cancer usually revolves around a complete abdominal hysterectomy coupled with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, though chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy can be advised in extreme cases. The disease can be cured easily if diagnosed in earlier stages, however can also be fatal and become the third common cause of common deaths in women. The rate of endometrial cancer has seen a rise in the last decade due to increasing rates of obesity.
Symptom #1: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
It means vaginal bleeding after menopause or between the menstrual cycle like spotting. If a patient experiences vaginal bleeding after menopause, it could be a symptom of endometrial cancer.
Symptom #2: Abnormal Menstrual Cycles
Menstruation is a regular monthly process in women and after puberty the menstrual cycle tends to normalize. However, in uterine cancers, the menstrual cycle goes for a toss and the patient experiences heavy flows or longer cycles.
Symptom #3: Dysuria
It simply means painful or difficult urination, basically a burning or stinging sensation during urination. The most usual cause for the above disease is urinary tract infection and the others include bladder tumours, bladder stones and many more. In uterine cancer dysuria occurs if cancer growth spreads in the urinary system.
Symptom #4: Vaginal Discharge
All women experience vaginal discharge which depends entirely on the menstrual cycle. Discharge consists mainly of liquid, cells and bacteria and helps to keep the vagina lubricated. Vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear and odourless, however abnormal vaginal discharge like in endometrial cancer has a pungent smell and is often in a different colour.
Symptom #5: Dyspareunia
It refers to pain during sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia can happen due to various reasons which can be medical, psychological, social or the status of the relationship. This condition can also indicate uterine cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer or even ovarian cancer. It tends to impact women after menopause due to dryness in the vagina.
Symptom #6: Loss of Weight
Weight loss happens when the mass of the body is reduced. It can be intentional or unintentional, out of which intentional weight loss can be healthy whereas unintentional weight loss can be unhealthy. In cases of cancer patients, weight loss is usually coupled with weakness and fatigue.
Symptom #7: Pain and Pressure in the Pelvis
Pain and pressure in the pelvis area usually indicate cancer growth in the region. In endometrial cancer, pain and pressure in the pelvis usually happens in the later stages and indicate the need to seek urgent medical help.
Symptom #8: Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Abdominal pain and bloating are common symptoms that are usually non-specific in nature and mostly indicate gastrointestinal diseases. Endometrial cancer patients experience abdominal pain and have a feeling of tightness and fullness in the abdomen only if the cancer growth spreads to the abdomen region.
Symptom #9: Pelvic Mass
It refers to swelling in the pelvic region. It is easily diagnosable and major ways to diagnose it are abdominal bleeding, increase in abdominal size, nausea and vomiting. Patients should pay attention to pelvic mass as this can be a serious symptom of endometrial cancer.
Symptom #10: Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite refers to the reduction in the will to eat anything. It is a common and non-specific symptom however if it is coupled with fatigue and a poor quality of life, then the situation can turn to be alarming and cause of cancer.
Comments