Endometrial cancer

Alternative names:

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

Treatment:

Women with the early stage 1 disease may be candidates for treatment with surgical hysterectomy, but removal of the tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) is also usually recommended for two reasons. Tumor cells can spread to the ovaries very early in the disease, and any dormant cancer cells that may be present could possibly be stimulated by estrogen production by the ovaries. Abdominal hysterectomy is recommended over vaginal hysterectomy because it affords the opportunity to examine and obtain washings of the abdominal cavity to detect any further evidence of cancer. For all other women with endometrial cancer, the preferred treatment is surgery in combination with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be considered in some cases.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Because endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed in the early stages (70 to 75% of cases are in stage 1 at diagnosis; 10 to 15% of cases are in stage 2; 10 to 15% of cases are in stage 3 or 4), there is a better prognosis (probable outcome) associated with it than with other types of gynecological cancers such as cervical or ovarian cancer.

The 5 year survival rate for endometrial cancer following appropriate treatment is:

• 75 to 95% for stage 1
• 50% for stage 2
• 30% for stage 3
• less than 5% for stage 4

Complications:

• Anemia may result, caused by chronic loss of blood. (This may occur if the woman has ignored symptoms of prolonged or frequent abnormal menstrual bleeding.)
• A perforation (hole) of the uterus may occur during a D&C or an endometrial biopsy.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any symptoms occur, particularly if you are a woman with associated risk factors or if you have not had women's health care examinations according to recommended schedules.