What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is the most common cancer affecting the female reproductive organs. This cancer typically occurs after menopause, but it can also affect younger women. Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unexpected weight loss.

Endometrial Cancer Treatment in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad often involves a combination of surgery (typically hysterectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy depending on the stage and spread of the disease.

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why regular gynecological exams are important, especially for women at higher risk.

Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Signs and symptoms of Endometrial Cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding after menopause, heavy periods, or bleeding between periods) is the most common symptom.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Unexplained weight loss in some cases.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Causes

Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen and Progesterone)

Excess estrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone is one of the primary causes of endometrial cancer. Estrogen promotes the thickening of the endometrial lining, and when there is no progesterone to counteract this effect, it can lead to abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk of cancer.

Conditions that increase estrogen levels, like obesity or hormone replacement therapy (especially when not balanced with progesterone), can contribute to this risk.

Obesity

Excess body fat can lead to an increase in the production of estrogen because fat tissue produces estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can significantly raise the risk of endometrial cancer.

Types of Endometrial Cancer

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of Endometrial Cancer you have and helps your doctor determine which treatments are best for you. Endometrial Cancer types include:

• Endometrioid carcinoma: : The most common and usually less aggressive type.
• Serous carcinoma: A rarer and more aggressive form.
• Clear cell carcinoma: Another rare and aggressive type.

Risk Factors

Factors that can increase your risk of Endometrial Cancer include:

• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., high estrogen levels without progesterone).
• Obesity, which can increase estrogen production.
• Several other gene changes are known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer, including gene changes associated with Lynch syndrome and the genes BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D.
• Older age, as most cases are diagnosed in women over 50, often after menopause.
• Family history of endometrial or other cancers (e.g., ovarian, colorectal).