Endometrial cancer

Alternative names:

adenocarcinoma of the endometrium/uterus; endometrial/uterine adenocarcinoma; uterine cancer

Prevention:

All women should have regular pelvic exams and Pap smears (beginning at the onset of sexual activity or at the age of 20 if not sexually active) to help detect signs of any abnormal development.

Since conditions associated with increased risk have been identified, it is important for women with such conditions to be followed more closely by their physicians. Frequent pelvic examinations and screening tests, including a pap smear and endometrial biopsy, should be done.

Women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy should also take these precautions. Any of the following symptoms should be reported immediately to the doctor:

• bleeding or spotting after intercourse or douching
• bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
• periods that recur every 21 days or less
• reappearance of blood or staining after six months or more of no bleeding at all.