Introduction

Endometrial cancer grows in the endometrium, which is the inside lining of the uterus. It is among the most common cancers that affect the female reproductive system. Endometrial tumour develops when the cells of the uterine lining start growing uncontrollably. It might spread to the nearby or distant body organs. Many people treat “endometrial cancer” and “uterine cancer” as if they mean the same thing. However, uterine cancer includes both endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Uterine sarcoma is a very rare cancer that develops in the myometrium, the muscle wall of your uterus.

What are the Signs of Endometrial Cancer?

The symptoms of endometrial cancer include:

• Bleeding from the vagina in between periods before menopause.
• Spotting or bleeding from the vagina following menopause even if it’s just a little bit.
• Pain in the lower part of your belly or cramping in your pelvis area.
• Clear or white vaginal discharge after menopause happens.
• Very heavy, long or constant vaginal bleeding if you are over 40 years old.

What are the Causes of Endometrial Cancer?

Scientists do not know what causes endometrial cancer. Something happens that leads to changes in the cells of the uterus. These changed cells multiply and spread uncontrollably, which may create a lump known as a tumour. Some factors can raise your risk of getting endometrial cancer. These include:

• Getting older: The risk of uterine cancer grows as you age. Most cases happen after 50.
• Eating a lot of fatty foods: A diet heavy in animal fat can raise the risk of various cancers, including endometrial cancer. Fatty foods also pack in calories, which may cause weight gain and obesity.
• Having family members with cancer: Inherited genetic conditions can make some people more likely to develop cancer.
• Diabetes: Obesity often links to this condition, which is a cancer risk factor. However, some studies show diabetes itself might have a direct link to endometrial cancer.
• Ovarian conditions: People with specific types of ovarian tumours often have high estrogen and low progesterone. These hormonal changes may lead to a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
• Menstrual and reproductive factors: Getting your first period before age 12 might increase the chance of endometrial cancer. This happens because the uterus gets exposed to estrogen for a longer time. Experiencing menopause after the age of 50 can have a similar effect. The uterus remains exposed to estrogen for more years.
• Having a long menstruation span: The total years spent menstruating seems to matter more than the specific age periods begin or stop.
• Not experiencing pregnancy: People who have never been pregnant face a greater risk. Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area: Radiation aimed at the pelvis to address other cancers can harm cell DNA.

How is Endometrial Cancer Diagnosed?

Speak with your doctor if you detect any symptoms of endometrial cancer. They may use one or several tests to determine whether endometrial cancer is present: Blood tests: A CA-125 blood test checks for a protein called CA-125. Levels of this protein could suggest the presence of cancer in the body. Imaging procedures:

• CT scans
• MRI imaging
• Transvaginal ultrasounds use a special probe placed inside the vagina.
• Other diagnostic options:
• Endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Dilation and curettage often called D&C

How is Endometrial Cancer Treated?

Doctors create a treatment plan based on the type of cancer and your overall health. Surgery is the main way to treat endometrial cancer. Most patients undergo a hysterectomy where surgeons remove the uterus and cervix. There are four distinct ways to perform this operation.

• Complete removal of the uterus through the abdomen

• Hysterectomy performed through the vaginal route

• Advanced hysterectomy to remove surrounding tissues or organs

• Surgery done using invasive techniques:

  Chemotherapy involves strong drugs used to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy delivers precise radiation to eliminate cancer cells. Hormone therapy involves either supplying or blocking hormones to manage cancer. - Immunotherapy boosts your immune system to fight off cancer. Targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack certain cancer cells and prevent their spread.