If you are diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you may wonder what it means. This article will explain what it means, how to detect it, and what you can do about it. You’ll also learn more about the types of treatment available for the disease. Listed below are some of the most common methods of treatment for this type of cancer. You’ll want to choose the one that best suits your personal needs and your specific situation.
There is no single cause for endometrial cancer. However, scientists have hypothesized that changes in levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may play a role. Both hormones stimulate the growth of endometrial cells. When these cells develop abnormal genetic properties, they start to divide uncontrollably and eventually become cancerous. These cancerous cells continue to multiply and can spread throughout the body. The symptoms of endometrial cancer are often similar to those of noncancerous conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis.
When diagnosed, endometrial cancer is often accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding. While this may be a sign of an underlying systemic illness, it can also be a symptom of a cancer that has spread to nearby tissues. Symptoms of endometrial cancer can range from minimal abdominal discomfort to extensive pelvic pain. Sometimes, the cancer may invade the pelvic lining and invade the peritoneum.
Treatment options for endometrial cancer depend on the stage and the type of cancer. It is generally easier to treat a lower stage of the disease, as the cancer’s spread is relatively limited. A surgeon may remove only the sentinel lymph nodes during surgery. This can lead to swelling in the legs in as many as five to 40 percent of people with endometrial cancer. However, removing only these nodes will lessen your risk of swelling in your legs.
In addition to age, obesity, diabetes, and irregular ovulation patterns can increase your risk of developing this type of cancer. In addition, estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Taking birth control pills after menopause can help reduce the risk. Taking estrogen-only HRT is not advisable for women without hysterectomy. However, if you have any of these risk factors, don’t take these medications if you’re prone to developing the disease.
The main type of endometrial cancer is the one that starts in the lining of the uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in the pelvis that also serves as the place where a woman’s baby grows during her pregnancy. Endometrial cancer usually occurs after the woman’s menopause. This type of cancer is more common in women who are overweight and take estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy.
Among the most common types of endometrial cancer, type 1 is confined to the uterus and has a favorable prognosis. Type 2 is more aggressive, spreading through the fallopian lumens and the pelvis, with a worse prognosis. Despite the fact that there are two types of endometrial cancer, both types require interprofessional team approaches to care for patients.
