Endometrial Cancer: What You Need to Know<\/h2>
Endometrial cancer generally appears after menopause. The average age of women diagnosed is 68 years. The 5-year survival rate is very high for localized stages at 95%. However, it is unfortunate that there is currently no screening available to detect this type of cancer early.<\/p>
Symptoms and Factors to Consider<\/h3>
The most common clinical signs indicating the presence of endometrial cancer are vaginal bleeding. After menopause, any vaginal bleeding is abnormal and should alert you. Endometrial cancer is the primary suspect in this case. You should consult a doctor immediately.<\/p>
Note: Even before menopause, vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of menstrual periods is also abnormal. The best thing to do is always to talk to your doctor<\/strong>.<\/p>
Other, less common symptoms that could indicate endometrial cancer include:<\/p>
- <\/span>Abnormal vaginal discharge followed by drops of blood.<\/p>
- <\/span>A localized infection in the endometrium.<\/p>
There are several risk factors that can lead to the development of endometrial cancer.<\/p>
- Overweight,<\/p>
- Diabetes,<\/p>
- Tamoxifen treatment<\/p>
- HNPCC4/Lynch syndrome, a hereditary disease.<\/p>
Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer<\/h3>
The type of cancer and its grade will be established following these steps:<\/p>
- An abdominal, pelvic, and lymph node clinical examination;<\/p>
- A pelvic ultrasound to check for possible thickening of the endometrium;<\/p>
- A biopsy of endometrial tissue followed by a pathological examination of the collected tissue.<\/p>
- An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pelvis combined with an MRI of the lumbar aortic lymph nodes will determine the stage of cancer progression;<\/p>
Treatments in Case of Positive Diagnosis<\/h3>
Treatments are personalized to each patient's situation. A multidisciplinary consultation meeting (MCM) is held among the treating physicians to study the patient's case and determine the appropriate treatment. There are four (4) possible treatment options for endometrial cancer:<\/p>
<\/p>
1- <\/span>Surgery<\/h4>
This type of intervention is common in cases of endometrial cancer. It consists of a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.<\/p>
Note: Surgery is performed if the tumor has not spread to organs distant from the uterus and only if the patient's condition allows it.<\/p>
2- <\/span>Radiotherapy<\/h4>
This is performed in addition to surgery. In radiotherapy, rays are used to destroy tumors and infected tissues. It is done on the pelvis, and then in the lumbar-aortic region if there is lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy is used when tumors are larger or when the patient's condition prevents surgery.<\/p>
3- <\/span>Chemotherapy<\/h4>
This is the standard treatment for advanced-stage tumors requiring the use of specific molecules. Chemotherapy is an intensive treatment, usually performed in several sessions that should not be interrupted.<\/p>
4- <\/span>Hormone Therapy<\/h4>
This treatment is performed when tumors are advanced and form metastases. Hormone therapy (use of hormones) is recommended when chemotherapy cannot be performed.<\/p>
