Endometrial cancer symptoms include abnormal bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, fatigue, weakness, and unintentional weight loss. Risk factors include irregular ovulation, lack of pregnancy, and obesity. Medical tests such as a transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy can determine the presence of malignant cells. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. Early detection is crucial for a better cure rate.
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include prolonged menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, bleeding that occurs after menopause, abnormal vaginal discharge that isn’t bloody, and unintentional weight loss. Additionally, pelvic pain, fatigue and weakness can also be symptoms of endometrial cancer. Also known as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer has a better cure rate when caught early. It is extremely important that you report any abnormal bleeding or discharge to your doctor so that a medical evaluation can begin.
Typically, endometrial cancer symptoms mimic other less serious gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids or polyps, vaginal infections, or hormonal imbalances. Also, although endometrial cancer is a disease that usually occurs after menopause, it can occur at any age. Certain risk factors may predispose a woman to developing endometrial cancer, including irregular ovulation, lack of pregnancy, early onset of menstruation, and obesity. Additionally, estrogen replacement therapy, diabetes, and a high-fat diet can also increase your risk.
Sometimes, women who have a history of ovarian or breast cancer may be at higher risk for endometrial cancer, as are women who have taken the drug tamoxifen. It is important for women to know that taking tamoxifen and HRT can also produce endometrial cancer symptoms such as irregular or heavy bleeding. Women, however, should not assume their symptoms are related to medications or hormones and should see a doctor to determine the cause of their symptoms.
Generally, when you experience endometrial cancer symptoms, your doctor might recommend medical tests such as a transvaginal ultrasound, which can demonstrate the thickness of the endometrium. This procedure can also determine if your symptoms are related to other, less serious conditions. If your doctor needs to obtain a cell sample of endometrial tissue, he or she will recommend an endometrial biopsy, which can determine whether malignant cells are present in the uterus. This test can be slightly uncomfortable and produce post-procedure bleeding.
Treatment for cancer of the endometrium or uterus might include radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, which can discourage the cancer cells from spreading. Also, a hysterectomy is sometimes indicated to remove the uterus, and the surgeon may also want to remove other structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. Surgery is generally the most effective method of ensuring that the cancer has been completely eradicated. This procedure, however, will prevent a woman from becoming pregnant in the future.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
