It may even spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant tissues. There are several early signs and symptoms that can alert you to endometrial cancer.
One of the most obvious signs of endometrial cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding. It is common for women to have a brown, pin-sized discharge after menopause. Other symptoms include pain and difficulty urinating, weight loss, and abnormal bleeding during intercourse. If these symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend testing. Fortunately, most endometrial cancers are curable. But, if you think that your discharge might be endometrial cancer, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
The most common symptoms of endometrial cancer are irregular periods and painful menstruation. This is caused by fluctuations in the level of female hormones, including estrogen. Those who have never conceived and girls who start their periods early are at a higher risk for developing this disease. Older women are also at risk since it typically occurs after menopause. And, a doctor can prescribe hormones to help treat the condition.
Age is the greatest risk factor for endometrial cancer, with obesity contributing to an increased risk by 40 percent. Other factors that increase risk include polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also increase the risk of endometrial cancer, especially hormones that mimic estrogen. Tamoxifen is an example of a hormone replacement therapy that has been linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
A genetic mutation within the endometrium causes endometrial cancer. It turns healthy cells into abnormal ones. While healthy cells die at a certain age, abnormal ones do not. They accumulate to form a mass. These cancer cells attack nearby healthy cells and may even spread to other parts of the body. While the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, the symptoms and the prognosis are often excellent.
In the meantime, patients can try immunotherapy to fight the disease. Current clinical trials at Dana-Farber are examining the role of immunotherapy with chemotherapy in newly diagnosed endometrial cancer. One study compares the effectiveness of pembrolizumab with standard of care chemotherapy. Despite its limited success, this treatment is still considered experimental. It remains to be seen whether this therapy is effective in reducing the risk of the disease.
While the most obvious symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, this may be caused by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if you notice any of these symptoms. The gynecologic oncologists will examine the endometrium and send biopsy samples to a pathologist. Other tests may also be performed. CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs are some of the common tests to determine if a tumor has spread to other areas. Chest X-rays can also show if it has spread to the chest.
