Endometrium Cancer

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Endometrium Cancer

Home / Treatment / Gynecologic Cancer / Endometrium Cancer

Endometrium Cancer Doctor in Kolkata

Endometrial cancer starts in the cells that make up the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. It is often referred to as uterine cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial, as endometrial cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in its initial stages. The endometrium oncologist in Kolkata evaluates symptoms of this condition and suggests a treatment plan after determining the stage and extent of the cancer.

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Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer develops when healthy cells in the uterus undergo mutations or changes, causing them to grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably. Unlike normal cells, these abnormal cells do not die off as they should. Over time, they can accumulate, forming a tumour that may spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body.

Symptoms of endometrial cancer include

Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as changes in the menstrual cycle or bleeding between periods.
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause.

Reach out to the endometrium oncologist in Kolkata for guidance if you notice any of these symptoms.

Causes of Endometrial Cancer

Some of the common causes of endometrial cancer are as follows.

Hormonal Imbalances

An imbalance in the body’s hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, can significantly impact the endometrium. The ovaries produce both of these hormones, and disruptions in their balance may lead to changes in the endometrial lining, increasing the risk of cancer.

Increased Oestrogen Exposure

Any condition or disease that raises oestrogen levels without increasing progesterone levels can elevate the risk of endometrial cancer. Examples include:

Obesity:

Excess body fat can cause hormonal changes, particularly increasing oestrogen, which raises cancer risk.
Diabetes:

This condition may lead to higher levels of oestrogen, contributing to endometrial cancer risk.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Irregular ovulation linked to PCOS often causes an increase in oestrogen relative to progesterone.

Post-Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Using hormone therapy that contains oestrogen alone (without progestin) after menopause increases the risk of endometrial cancer. It’s important to discuss these risks with the doctor if you are considering or currently using hormone therapy.

Prolonged Exposure to Menstruation

Early Menstruation:

Starting periods before the age of 12 increase the total number of menstrual cycles over a lifetime, exposing the endometrium to more oestrogen.
Late Menopause:

Women who enter menopause later also have prolonged exposure to oestrogen, raising the risk of endometrial cancer.

Older Age

As you age, the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer increases, particularly after menopause, when the disease is most commonly diagnosed.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese alters the body’s hormone balance, particularly by increasing oestrogen levels. This increase is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult the doctor for gynecological cancer treatment in Kolkata.

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Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

The diagnostic tests for endometrial cancer involve the following:

Imaging Tests

CT Scan:

A series of detailed images of the inside of your body are taken using X-rays, providing a comprehensive view of internal organs and tissues.
MRI Scan:

This test uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to generate detailed images of soft tissues in the body.
Transvaginal Ultrasound:

A specialised probe is inserted into the vagina to capture images of the uterus, providing a closer look at the uterine lining and other structures.

Other Diagnostic Tests

Endometrial Biopsy:

A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to collect a small tissue sample from the endometrium for examination.
Hysteroscopy:

A long, thin tube with a light and camera (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix to visually inspect the uterus and capture detailed images.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C):

A more invasive procedure where uterine tissue is removed for examination. This procedure is done in an operating room under anaesthesia.

Staging of Endometrial Cancer

The stages of endometrial cancer are as follows:

Endometrial cancer is staged using the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system, which helps determine the extent of cancer spread and guides treatment options. The stages are classified from I to IV, with higher numbers indicating more advanced disease.

Stage I: Endometrium Cancer Confined to the Uterus

Stage IA:

Cancer is limited to the endometrium or has invaded less than half of the muscle layer of the uterus.
Stage IB:

Cancer has spread to more than half of the myometrium but remains within the uterus.

Stage II: Endometrium Cancer Spreads to the Cervix

In stage II, the cancer has extended beyond the uterus and into the connective tissue of the cervix, but it has not spread beyond the uterus.

Stage III: Regional Spread of Endometrium Cancer

Stage IIIA:

Cancer has spread to the outer surface of the uterus or fallopian tubes, ovaries, or other tissues within the pelvis.
Stage IIIB:

Cancer has spread to the vagina or nearby tissues.
Stage IIIC:

Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes within the pelvis or around the aorta.
- IIIC1:
  
  Spread to pelvic lymph nodes.
- IIIC2:
  
  Spread to para-aortic lymph nodes (nodes higher up near the aorta).

Stage IV: Distant Spread of Endometrium Cancer

Stage IVA:

Cancer has spread to the bladder or bowel lining (locally advanced spread).
Stage IVB:

Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones (distant metastasis).

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Treatment of Endometrial Cancer

The endometrium oncologist in Kolkata will suggest the specific treatment plan depending on the type of cancer and your overall health. Common treatments that may be used include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for endometrial cancer utilises powerful medications to kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

It delivers targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy

It involves the use or blocking of hormones to treat cancer.

Immunotherapy

It boosts your immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

Targeted Therapy

It employs drugs that specifically target cancer cells to prevent their growth and spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the survival rate for endometrial cancer?

The survival rate for endometrial cancer varies by stage and overall health. When diagnosed early (stage I), the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 95%. However, survival decreases in more advanced stages, emphasising the importance of early detection.

Can endometrial cancer come back after treatment?

Yes, endometrial cancer can recur after treatment, particularly in more advanced stages. Regular follow-up care, including imaging tests and blood work, is essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Can endometrial cancer be prevented?

While there is no sure way to prevent endometrial cancer, maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like diabetes, using birth control pills, and undergoing regular screenings for those at high risk can help reduce the chances of developing it.

Can endometrial cancer affect fertility?

Endometrial cancer treatment can impact fertility. Women diagnosed with endometrial cancer who wish to preserve their fertility should discuss options with the doctor before treatment begins.

Can endometrial cancer be diagnosed through a Pap smear?

No, a Pap smear is not designed to detect endometrial cancer. While it can identify cervical cancer, a separate evaluation, such as an endometrial biopsy, is needed for diagnosing endometrial cancer.

What is the significance of tumour grade in endometrial cancer?

Tumour grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Higher-grade tumours tend to grow and spread more quickly, influencing treatment decisions.