What Is Endometrial Cancer?: Cancer can affect the uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows. The uterus is lined with a special tissue called the endometrium. When cancer grows in this lining, it is called endometrial cancer. Most cancers of the uterus are endometrial cancer.
If left untreated, endometrial cancer can spread to the bladder or rectum, or it can spread to the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and more distant organs. Fortunately, endometrial cancer grows slowly and, with regular checkups, is usually found before spreading very far.
What Causes Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer usually happens in women past menopause. More than 95% of endometrial cancer happens in women over 40. Postmenopausal women have a high risk for endometrial cancer if they:
Got their first period early
Went through menopause late
Are obese
Have diabetes or high blood pressure
Have few or no children
Have a history of infertility, irregular periods, or abnormal cells in the endometrium (called endometrial hyperplasia)
Have a family history of endometrial, colorectal, or breast cancer
Women taking the drug tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast cancer have a slightly higher risk of endometrial cancer. But women who have taken birth control pills are only half as likely to have endometrial cancer after menopause.
Women who take estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Rare ovarian tumors can make estrogen and increase a woman’s chance of having endometrial cancer.
High-fat diets, especially containing red meat, can increase the risk of cancer, including endometrial and colon cancer.
Can Endometrial Cancer Be Prevented?
Most endometrial cancer cannot be prevented. But there are certain things a woman can do to lower her risk. Taking birth control lowers the risk, but first talk with a doctor about possible pros and cons. Being healthy, eating well, and watching your weight may help lower the risk.
How Do I Know If I Have Endometrial Cancer?
If a woman has symptoms of endometrial cancer, her doctor will examine her and possibly order blood and urine tests.
Further tests:
Pelvic exam and Pap smears, which look for cervical cancer, can also find a small number of endometrial cancers before symptoms develop.
Transvaginal ultrasound, in which the doctor inserts a wand-like instrument into the vagina. The instrument aims high-frequency sound waves at the uterus. The pattern of the echoes they produce creates a picture. Saltwater can be placed into the uterus through the cervix before the ultrasound test to give a clearer picture. This is called a sonohystogram. If the endometrium looks too thick or irregular, the doctor can perform an endometrial biopsy in the office or a dilation and curettage (D&C) in the operating room.
The definitive test is a biopsy (taking and testing a tissue sample of the uterus). If a biopsy confirms the diagnosis, the doctor will order imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI, blood tests for CA-125, a marker seen both with ovarian and endometrial cancer, a colonoscopy, and/or exploratory surgery (opening the abdomen) to determine how far the disease has spread.
Green Tea for Endometrial Cancer.
What Are the Treatments for Endometrial Cancer?
Surgery is the standard treatment for endometrial cancer that has not spread. It is also an effective prevention for women at high risk of developing the disease. The most successful treatment for early cancer is total hysterectomy, in which the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed. In addition, any suspicious lymph nodes are biopsied and also may be removed. This surgery is most likely to prevent the cancer from coming back.
If the cancer has spread beyond the uterus, then after surgery the patient is given radiation, often in combination with chemotherapy, to wipe out the remaining cancer cells. Some doctors also recommend radiation when the tumor is large but has not spread beyond the uterus.
Patients with widespread endometrial cancer usually receive hormone therapy, usually progesterone, to slow the cancer’s growth. Chemotherapy or radiation is used after surgery for some patients. Chemotherapy or radiation might also be given to reduce the size and number of tumors — all of which can prolong life and relieve symptoms. If treatment successfully destroys distant tumors and the remaining cancer is confined to the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, surgery may also be performed.
To help cope with the emotional difficulties of having uterine cancer, patients might consider joining a support group. Counseling is especially helpful for pre-menopausal women who become depressed after a hysterectomy
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer – Home Treatment
During medical treatment for any stage of endometrial cancer, you can use home treatment to help manage the side effects that may accompany endometrial cancer or cancer treatment. Home treatment may be all that is needed to manage the following common problems. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines to treat these symptoms, be sure to follow them. In general, healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise can help control your symptoms.
Home treatment includes the following:
For nausea or vomiting, watch for and treat early signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sticky saliva, and reduced urine output with dark yellow urine. Older adults can quickly become dehydrated from vomiting. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting.
For diarrhea, rest your stomach, get enough fluids, and be alert for signs of dehydration. Check with your doctor before using any nonprescription medicines for your diarrhea.
Constipation includes ensuring that you drink enough fluids and include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day. Do not use a laxative without consulting your doctor.
Other issues that may arise include:
Sleep problems. If you find you have trouble sleeping, some tips for managing sleep problems may be helpful, such as having a regular bedtime, getting some exercise during the day, and avoiding caffeine late in the day.
Fatigue. If you feel as though you do not have any energy and tire easily, try some measures to manage fatigue, such as getting extra rest, eating a balanced diet, and reducing your stress.
Urinary problems, which can be caused by both endometrial cancer and its treatment. It may help to eliminate caffeine from your diet. Also, set up a schedule of urinating every 3 to 4 hours during your waking hours, even if you don’t feel you need to go.
Hair loss. Hair loss may be unavoidable. But using mild shampoos and avoiding damaging hair products will reduce irritation of your scalp.
Many women with endometrial cancer face emotional issues as a result of their disease or its treatment.
Finding out that you have cancer and having treatment is stressful. Managing stress may include expressing your feelings to others. Learning relaxation techniques may also be helpful. Support groups and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, may be helpful.
Your feelings about your body and your sexuality may change following treatment for cancer. It may help to talk openly about your feelings with your partner and to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to refer you to groups that can offer support and information.
Not all forms of cancer or cancer treatment cause pain. If pain occurs, many options are available to relieve it. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines to treat pain, be sure to follow them. Home treatment for pain such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or an alternative therapy like biofeedback may improve your physical and mental well-being. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any home treatment you use for pain.
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