Endometrium cancer is a dangerous condition in which cells in the lining of the uterus grow out of control and form tumors. While some tumors are “benign” and cannot spread throughout the body, others are malignant. There is no known cure for endometrium cancer, but early detection can improve a woman’s outlook. To protect yourself from this serious disease, follow these tips to prevent it.
The risk factors for endometrial cancer include menopausal status, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Other risk factors include unopposed estrogen and obesity. While these risk factors are well-known, they are still poorly understood. Early detection and treatment can help women live longer and reduce the risk of death. Fortunately, there are now a number of treatment options for endometrial cancer. And, with advances in science, there are now several newer therapies to help women with this condition.
Risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity and ovarian tumors. Obesity increases estrogen levels in the body. People who are overweight tend to produce higher levels of estrogen than those who are not. Also, women who undergo hormone replacement therapy may be at risk. Tamoxifen, a hormone that is used to treat breast cancer, has been linked to a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Depending on the stage, treatment will vary. Endometrial cancer can be staged into four different groups. The TNM staging system is used by physicians to categorize the cancer’s stage. It defines the size of the tumor, the extent of lymph node involvement, and the extent of distant metastasis. It also specifies the treatment options and how much cancer has spread. If the cancer is detected early, treatment options are better and the patient can live a full life.
Combined chemotherapy, which is given to the patient in drips or through IV, is the standard of treatment. The side effects of chemotherapy are generally less severe than those of radiation therapy, but it does have significant limitations. Patients with endometrial cancer often have advanced stage cancer, are elderly, and/or have co-morbid conditions. However, these drugs also increase the risk of thromboembolism. In addition to using hormone therapy, doctors may prescribe hormonal therapies.
Although there are no known risk factors for developing uterine cancer, there is no guarantee that a woman will develop the disease. In rare cases, a woman may experience a symptom without a specific cause. The best way to know if she has endometrial cancer is to visit a doctor. Diagnosis is the only way to know for sure if the tumor has spread outside of the uterus.
Surgical treatment for endometrial cancer may include a hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and removal of the fallopian tubes. The procedure can be done through a small incision or through a large abdominal incision. During the operation, fluid from the abdomen will be analyzed to see if there is any evidence of the cancer spreading. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may be followed by radiation therapy.
