Endometrial cancer is the term used to describe cancer that originates from the lining of the womb. Endometrial cancer is one of the commonest cancers in the female reproductive tract. Although receiving a diagnosis of endometrial cancer is certainly frightening, it is crucial to know that early detection could increase your chances of effective treatment. It is therefore critical to recognise any signs of abnormal bleeding and seek medical attention promptly.
Any woman who has abnormal bleeding from her uterus, pain in the pelvis, or any other signs should seek the advice of a professional in order to identify the source of the problem. A gynecological oncologist specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers within the female reproductive organs.
What Is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer develops from the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus. The uterus is an important organ in the female reproductive tract. The endometrium usually responds to hormones by undergoing changes in the menstrual cycle.
When these abnormal and uncontrollable cells develop inside the endometrium, they could form a tumour. In cases where this is not discovered or where proper treatment is not given, these cancerous cells can spread from the uterus to other tissues in the body.
Endometrial cancer can develop at any age; however, most often it develops post-menopause. This does not imply that the younger women cannot be affected by endometrial cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer
Sometimes there could not be one specific cause for the development of endometrial cancer. Instead, several factors contribute to increasing the risk of developing it.
It could happen due to the presence of the endometrium exposed to oestrogen continuously without an adequate amount of progesterone. This causes abnormal growth in the uterine lining.
Some common risk factors are:
- Increasing age, especially post-menopause
- Being obese
- Metabolic disorders such as diabetes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
- Not having ever been pregnant
- Hereditary genetic conditions
- History of certain cancers either in person or family
- Specific hormone replacement therapies after menopause
Presence of risk factors doesn't necessarily mean that a woman will be affected by the condition while absence of risk factors doesn't mean protection from it. Medical monitoring and paying attention to the appearance of certain signs become important.
Signs of Endometrial Cancer
One of the main characteristics of endometrial cancer is that it can cause certain signs even in its early stages and, in particular, abnormal vaginal bleeding.
A gynaecologic must be consulted by a woman suffering from the following signs:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Inter-menstrual bleeding
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Weight loss and weakness (in later stages)
Any post-menopausal bleeding must be investigated because even if there may be many causes of such bleeding which are non-cancerous in nature, the cause must be identified.
The pathologist examines the tissue to find out if there are abnormal or cancerous cells.
Correct diagnosis and staging are crucial as they assist in choosing an appropriate treatment method.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
One of the features of endometrial cancer is that it can manifest itself through certain symptoms even in early stages and particularly abnormal vaginal bleeding.
A woman having the following symptoms should consult a gynaecologic:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Inter-menstrual bleeding
- Irregular periods
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pain in the pelvis
- Dyspareunia
- Weight loss and weakness (in the late stages)
All post-menopausal bleeding should be investigated since although there might be many reasons for such bleeding which are non-cancerous, it needs to be diagnosed. The pathologist examines the tissue to find out if there are abnormal or cancerous cells.
Correct diagnosis and staging are crucial as they assist in choosing an appropriate treatment method.
Treatment Methods for Endometrial Cancer
Several aspects influence the choice of treatment, which include the type and stage of cancer, general condition of the patient, tumor features, and whether the cancer is spread out in the body.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is a vital treatment method for some women suffering from endometrial cancer. It may be a removal of the uterus in certain cases, called a hysterectomy, in combination with other organs or lymph nodes as required by the case.
Minimally-invasive methods like laparoscopy or robot-assisted methods can be applicable to some patients. The advantage of the above treatment methods lies in making smaller incisions in comparison with conventional surgical procedure that leads to less post-surgery pain and recovery time.
Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar has special competence in gynecological oncology as well as minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery. Her professional activity includes diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers, including endometrial cancer and robot-assisted hysterectomy in certain cases.
Radiation Therapy
Whether radiation therapy will be required depends on the stage, grade, and features of your cancer. Sometimes it is used after surgery to prevent any recurrence of the cancer or in case where it is not suitable to use only surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy entails using medicine to kill cancerous cells or inhibit their growth. In some cases, chemotherapy is used for certain endometrial cancers that pose a high risk of recurrence.
Hormonal and Other Systemic Treatments
Some endometrial cancers respond to hormonal therapy. In some circumstances, hormonal therapy can be used. Other forms of systemic therapy may also be used in addition, based on the features of your cancer.
Since every cancer is unique, treatment should be planned specifically rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.
The Reasons You Should Visit a Gynaecological Oncologist
A gynaecological oncologist specializes in the management of cancer of the female reproductive tract, which includes uterine or endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar is a Consultant gynaecologic, Gynaecological Oncologist, Colposcopist and Robotic Surgeon. Her education and training include schooling in India and UK with specialisation in London and a fellowship in gynaecological oncology in a cancer centre in Wolverhampton. Dr. Vrunda is also a consultant in the UK’s National Health Service prior to her return to Mumbai.
For women in search of the Best gynaecologic Oncologist in Dadar, Mumbai, a doctor who has specialised knowledge and skills in gynaecological oncology would be highly beneficial when suspecting endometrial cancer. Dr. Vrunda specializes in gynaecological cancers and is highly skilled in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consult a gynaecologic if you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, unrelenting pelvic pain or any other symptoms that are not characteristic to you.
Early evaluation doesn’t always result in diagnosis of cancer. Early identification of the cause of your symptoms can result in proper treatment at an earlier stage if needed.
Women who have previously had an abnormal biopsy test report or are suffering from Endometrial Cancer should get in touch with a gynaecological oncology expert and discuss their condition and available treatment plans.
Treat Your Symptoms As Serious
Endometrial cancer is indeed a deadly disease; however, early detection and proper treatment can do a world of good. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially vaginal bleeding post-menopause, should never be considered just a natural process of aging.
In case you suffer from unexpected vaginal bleeding, pelvic symptoms, or if you need further testing of your uterine lining, visit a professional physician. Proper diagnosis will enable the doctors to comprehend the condition and prepare the adequate treatment plan.
Gynaecological oncology patients can visit Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar, a gynaecological oncologist specializing in the treatment of gynaecological cancer, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery in Mumbai.
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