What Is Endometrial Cancer?


What Is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. It's the most common type of uterine cancer. Awareness and early detection are key to effective treatment and better outcomes.

Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer. These include obesity, race, hormonal imbalances, being over the age of 40, and having certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome.

Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of endometrial cancer often include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and changes in menstrual cycles. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor right away.

Staging and Prognosis
Early-stage cancers generally have a better outlook, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Treatment Options
Treatment for endometrial cancer may involve surgery, such as a hysterectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer.
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SOURCES:
Jeffrey How, MD, MPH, MS, assistant professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Sarah Kim, MD, gynecologic surgeon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City.
Betty J. Suh-Bergmann, chair of gynecologic oncology, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Antioch, Calif.
Foundation for Women's Cancer: "Uterine Serous Carcinoma."
Cleveland Clinic: "Uterine Sarcoma," "Endometrial Hyperplasia."
MD Anderson Cancer Center: "Endometrial Cancer."
City of Hope: "Uterine Cancer Stages and Survival Rates."
Oncology Medical Physics: "Statistical Radiobiology."
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology: "How thick is too thick? When endometrial thickness should prompt biopsy in postmenopausal women without vaginal bleeding."
Radiology in Plain English: "Does Fluid in the Endometrial Cavity Mean Cancer."
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Endometrial Cancer."
American Cancer Society: "What Is Endometrial Cancer?" "Survival Rates for Endometrial Cancer," "What is Uterine Sarcoma?"
UpToDate: "Patient education: Endometrial cancer diagnosis, staging, and surgical treatment (Beyond the Basics)."