Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus)

Description Endometrial cancer ...

Description

Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the uterus and is an abnormal growth of endometrial cells which line the uterus. It is associated with an increased level of estrogen. It is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 60 and 70. Other conditions that increase the risk of having this disorder include: periods beginning prior to age 12, infertility or never having been pregnant, becoming pregnant early in life, polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, starting menopause late in life, taking estrogen medications after menopause without also taking progesterone, and certain hormone treatments for breast cancer (such as tamoxifen).

Symptoms

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, excessive vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, clear vaginal discharge after menopause.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An endometrial aspiration, endometrial biopsy, and/or dilation and curettage (D&C) may be performed to search for cancer cells. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to determine the extent of disease.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other Specific Tests: Endometrial aspiration, endometrial biopsy, dilation and curettage


Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgical Oncology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the extent of the disease but surgery is usually recommended; abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the most common surgery performed. Other treatments include radiation therapy, hormone treatments and chemotherapy.