If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you may wonder whether you are at risk. Fortunately, treatment options are available. Your doctor will likely perform several tests to determine whether your cancer has spread to other areas of your body. The treatment team may also suggest additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. In some cases, your doctor may perform a chest X-ray to detect any spread. During the staging process, your doctor will carefully record your symptoms to help determine the best course of treatment.
The most common warning signs of endometrial cancer are irregular menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharge. Abnormal vaginal bleeding can indicate the presence of cancer, but abnormal vaginal discharge is not always a sign of an infection. Women should report any unusual bleeding to their healthcare provider right away. In addition, women should also consult with their doctor if they notice blood in their stool or urine. The treatment for this cancer is individualized, and the prognosis is poor without proper diagnosis and treatment.
Women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer have a greater risk of developing endometrial cancer. Radiation damage to the pelvic region can damage DNA, increasing the possibility of cancer cells to develop. Endometrial cancer and breast cancer share several risk factors. Therefore, women who have had either one or both may be at an increased risk. If you have been diagnosed with one or both of these cancers, you may want to discuss your risk factors with your doctor.
Other risk factors of endometrial cancer include women who have irregular menstrual cycles, age, and a family history of colon cancer. Women who become pregnant or who experience early menopause are at a lower risk of developing the disease. Obesity also affects estrogen production. Overweight women may also have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. While hormone replacement therapy is helpful for some women, it has been linked to a higher risk of the disease. Some doctors believe that tamoxifen use may increase the risk of developing this disease.
The only way to diagnose endometrial cancer is through an examination of the tissue. During the biopsy, your doctor will take a sample of cells from your endometrium and analyze them under a microscope. This specimen is then analyzed by a pathologist to determine whether it is cancerous. The pathologist will then classify the tissue according to the type of cancer, its grade, and whether it has spread to nearby tissues.
In recent years, endometrial cancers have increased in incidence worldwide. In fact, in more than half of the 43 countries studied, rates have increased. Interestingly, the rates differ considerably from country to country. For example, in the United States, white women have the highest incidence of endometrial cancer. Women who are postmenopausal are at a higher risk of developing the disease. In other countries, women who are postmenopausal are at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
