There are two types of endometriosis cancer. Type one develops in the endometrium and doesn’t grow rapidly, while type two spreads throughout the body. Both types are associated with a poor prognosis, and doctors typically treat them aggressively. Regardless of type, the best prevention is routine checkups with a physician. When diagnosed early, endometrial cancer is usually curable if it’s caught early.
There are several risk factors associated with endometrial cancer. Excess body weight is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. Excess weight contributes to nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in women. In an article for women who suffer from obesity and endometrial cancer, Amanda Fader, MD, MSc, RN, CPNP, and Mary-Eve Brown, RD, LDN, discuss the risk factors associated with obesity and cancer. The doctors may also conduct a complete medical history and perform an internal pelvic exam to check for changes in shape and feel for lumps.
The best treatment for endometrial cancer depends on its stage. Surgery is the most common treatment for most women. However, patients may also need additional therapies. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be required if the disease has spread or has returned after treatment. Some newer techniques of radiation therapy, such as image-based brachytherapy, have improved outcomes for patients and are associated with fewer side effects. When combined with surgery, endometrial cancer is curable, and treatment options are more effective.
Patients who undergo surgery and chemotherapy alone have significantly better 5-year survival rates than those who undergo adjuvant radiotherapy. Primary surgery alone increased survival rates in young women and patients with minimal comorbidities. In contrast, radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone improved patients’ survival rates in both stage II and stage III. Furthermore, patients with early cancer can often undergo chemotherapy after undergoing surgery. And after the initial procedure, postoperative radiotherapy is a good choice for women who want to avoid surgery.
While endometrial cancer is rare, the treatment options are not any easier. Traditional treatments often fail with recurrences. The latest breakthroughs in immunotherapy are aimed at improving treatment options. For women with endometriosis, immunotherapy may be a viable option. And if you’re diagnosed with endometriosis, be sure to consult with a physician who specializes in this type of cancer.
Endometrial cancer treatments are based on the type of treatment you receive. Surgical options for endometriosis include a biopsy. A thin tube is inserted through the vagina and gently sucks up a small sample of cells. Other treatments, including dilation and curettage, require an injection of medicine. It’s important to seek medical attention right away to make sure you have an accurate diagnosis.
There are several risk factors that can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Early menstrual periods, women with irregular periods, and women who have not experienced menopause before age 50, and those with a family history of endometriosis, may be at higher risk. However, these risk factors are not the only causes of endometrial cancer. For example, women who have never been pregnant, and those with infertility problems may be at a higher risk for developing this disease.
