Endometrial cancer
Cancer of the uterus begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and is more precisely termed endometrial cancer (carcinoma).
Cancer of the uterus begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and is more precisely termed endometrial cancer (carcinoma).
- frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- usually affects women after menopause.
Signs and Symptoms
- Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially in women who are post menopausal.
- Pelvic pain and pain during intercourse.An abnormal, watery or blood-tinged discharge from your vagina.
Risk Factors
- Fluctuation in the balance of estrogen and progesterone.
- Starting menstruation at an early age or beginning menopause later increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Women who have never been pregnant.
- History of obesity, hypertension, family history of cancer and diabetes.
Diagnosis
Endometrial biopsy-involves removing tissue from your uterine lining for laboratory analysis.
Hysteroscopy- your doctor inserts a thin, flexible, lighted tube (hysteroscope) through your vagina and cervix into your uterus. A lens on the hysteroscope allows your doctor to examine the inside of your uterus and the endometrium.
Dilation and curettage (D&C). During D&C, tissue is scraped from the lining of your uterus and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the uterus is recommended for most women with endometrial cancer. Most women with endometrial cancer undergo a procedure to remove the uterus (hysterectomy), as well as to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (salpingo-oophorectomy).
Staging of Endometrial Cancer
Additional pictures of endometrial cancer
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometrial-cancer
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/cancer_of_the_uterus.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/womb-cancer/
http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/health/Gyn-cancers.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometrial-cancer
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/cancer_of_the_uterus.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/womb-cancer/
http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/health/Gyn-cancers.html