One kind of cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is called endometrial cancer. It is the most prevalent gynecologic cancer in women, especially in postmenopausal women. It is frequently very treatable and curable with surgery alone or in conjunction with other therapies when caught early.
Even so, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding endometrial cancer. Women can spot warning signs early and seek care quickly if they are aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments.
When the endometrial lining cells start to proliferate out of control, endometrial cancer develops. It should not be mistaken for more aggressive and uncommon uterine cancers like uterine sarcomas.
Endometrial cancer is often categorized into two main types:
Several factors can increase the risk of endometrial cancer:
Despite these risk factors, many women develop endometrial cancer with no obvious cause.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most prevalent and early sign of endometrial cancer. It is therefore one of the rare cancers for which early symptoms are frequently apparent.
Other symptoms include:
Weight loss, exhaustion, or trouble urinating or passing stools due to tumor pressure are some symptoms of advanced cancer.
For better results, early diagnosis is essential. When a woman exhibits unusual bleeding, the physician might suggest:
Imaging techniques like MRI, CT, or PET-CT may be used to determine the extent of the disease and develop a treatment plan after cancer has been confirmed.
Stage I is limited to the uterus, while Stage IV spreads to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. At Stage I, when results are very favorable, the majority of cases are diagnosed.
The stage, tumor type, grade, patient age, and desire for future fertility all influence the course of treatment. Often, a multidisciplinary approach works best.
The cornerstone of treatment for most early-stage cases.
Minimally invasive techniques (like laparoscopy) are preferred in suitable patients for faster recovery.
Used to reduce the risk of recurrence, particularly in high-risk or locally advanced cancers. It may include:
Used for hormone receptor-expressing low-grade cancers, particularly in women who are not candidates for surgery or who want to maintain their fertility. Oral or intrauterine devices can be used to deliver progesterone-based treatments.
Saved for severe or advanced illness, especially when the cancer has progressed outside the uterus. Paclitaxel and carboplatin are common medications.
Immunotherapy medications such as pembrolizumab are now being used for some advanced or recurrent cases, especially in patients with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI-H).
Under the supervision of a specialist, young women with low-grade, early-stage endometrial cancer who want to maintain their fertility may be candidates for close monitoring and conservative hormonal therapy. This strategy necessitates long-term monitoring and carries a certain risk of recurrence.
After treatment, regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence. This typically includes:
Most recurrences happen within the first 2–3 years after treatment.
When caught early, endometrial cancer has a high cure rate. Over 90% of patients with Stage I disease survive for five years. Even though advanced stages are more difficult, they can still be managed with multidisciplinary care and contemporary therapies.
Evaluation should be prompted by any unusual bleeding following menopause or by younger women's ongoing heavy or irregular periods. Better results and less aggressive treatment are frequently the results of early diagnosis.
Medical oncologist Dr. Amit Badola is essential in the treatment of endometrial cancer, especially when it is advanced and calls for immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy. To guarantee a thorough, patient-centered approach catered to each person's condition and objectives, he collaborates closely with the surgical and radiation teams.
