What is Endometrial Cancer?
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.
Endometrial cancer is the most common tumor among gynecological cancers in developed countries. Each year, over 800 new cases are diagnosed in Israel.
The tumor typically occurs in older women—after menopause—but can also affect younger women.
Risk factors for endometrial cancer include prolonged exposure to estrogen (early menstruation and late menopause), obesity, exposure to tamoxifen (used in breast cancer treatment), Lynch syndrome (a genetic condition predisposing to tumors in the colon, uterus, and others—carriers should be closely monitored for early detection of common tumors).
Uterine tumors often start as endometrial polyps (not all polyps are tumors!) and can spread to other parts of the uterus, into the uterine muscle, and even to lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Remote metastasis is also possible.
Symptoms of the Disease
Most endometrial tumors cause abnormal uterine bleeding. If a woman experiences bleeding after menopause, it often raises suspicion leading to examination and potentially early detection of the tumor. Irregular bleeding may also occur in younger women.
In more advanced cases, nonspecific symptoms such as pain, bowel disturbances, loss of appetite, weight loss, and others may occur.
Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer
Diagnosis is usually done through endometrial biopsy, which can be performed in a gynecologist's office. Sometimes, hysteroscopy—a procedure under anesthesia where the uterine lining is directly observed with an optical fiber and samples are taken—is necessary.
If endometrial cancer is diagnosed, additional tests such as CT or PET-CT scans may be needed to assess the extent of the disease.
Treatment of Endometrial Cancer
The primary treatment for endometrial cancer is usually hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
In most cases, when the disease is detected early, no further treatment is needed. However, if additional risk factors are found, such as deep muscle involvement, lymph node involvement, or adjacent tissue involvement, radiation therapy may be necessary. In cases of more aggressive types of the disease, chemotherapy may also be required.
Radiation therapy for endometrial cancer can include external beam radiation, internal radiation (using a device inserted into the uterus), or both.
In advanced disease, treatment often includes chemotherapy. In recent years, innovative biological treatments for the disease have also been added, including immunotherapy and other biological therapies.
Early diagnosis is crucial—as with any disease—early detection leads to higher cure rates. Symptoms like those described above should prompt a visit to a gynecologist.
Remember—awareness of your health can save your life.
