Endometrial Cancer: 5 Important Facts

According to recent studies, endometrial cancer affects 1 in 100 women. It occurs more frequently among those who have passed menopause.

Endometrial cancer is a fairly common type of gynecologic cancer, but it is not the most lethal. As we already know, early diagnosis certainly increases the chances of survival.

It is not yet known exactly what causes this disease, but it is believed that constant changes in estrogen levels are those that contribute to the development of malignant cells in the uterine lining.

In this article we give you all the information you need to detect the early symptoms of this disease.

Endometrial cancer: important things to know

To better understand how this disease occurs and develops, you must first know more about the uterus and how it is structured.

1. The uterus and its changes during the menstrual cycle

• The uterus is a part of the female reproductive system in which the fetus develops during a possible pregnancy. It consists of two parts: the cervix (the lower part, which follows the vagina) and the uterus or upper part.
• The uterus has two layers: the inside is made up of a mucosa called the endometrium. The outside is called the myometrium.
• During the menstrual cycle, hormones cause small changes in the endometrium.
• During ovulation, for example, estrogen is released, which leads to a slight thickening of the endometrium to feed the embryo in case of a possible pregnancy.
• After ovulation, the endometrial mucosa is removed, causing menstruation. 
• All these processes take place in the fertile period, until the onset of menopause.

With the onset of menopause, at the ages of 50 to 60, the first carcinomas or sarcomas may appear. This means that there is a higher risk that certain cells will grow and adhere to the inner lining of the uterus.

2. Obesity and hypertension: two important risk factors

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is not known exactly what is the cause of these changes in endometrial tissues that lead to the formation of invasive malignant cells in the uterine lining.

However, experts say that there are certain risk factors behind these changes, two of the most important being high blood pressure and obesity.

• Adipose tissue accumulated in the body due to obesity increases the possibility of high cholesterol. It causes changes in metabolism that cause variations in estrogen levels.
• All of this affects the connective tissues in the mammary glands, endometrium and vagina, causing changes and increasing the risk of developing cancer.

It is necessary to emphasize that there is no 100% direct correlation between obesity and cancer, but there is a high probability of preventing this disease if you keep your weight under control.

3. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of endometrial cancer

• This is another risk factor to consider as it affects women with breast cancer who are taking Tamoxifen.
• This medicine can cause changes in the level of hormones which in turn can cause changes in the structure of the uterus.

• Despite this danger, doctors claim that a simple pelvic examination can reveal symptoms (such as vaginal bleeding).

4. Symptoms of endometrial cancer

• Intermenstrual bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding.
• Constant and intense abdominal pain.
• Pressure or sharp pain in the pelvis or lower back.
• Intense pain during intercourse.
• Pain when urinating.

5. Prevention and regular consultation

Endometrial cancer begins in the inner lining of the uterus. It is important to remember because sometimes, especially in the early stages of the disease, the result of the Pap test can be negative.

That is why it is advisable to perform a biopsy of the endometrial tissue, based on a small sample, so that the specialist can perform a more detailed analysis under a microscope. You can also have a transvaginal ultrasound to be safer.

If there have been cases of gynecological cancer in your family, it is advisable to go to the family doctor for more frequent check-ups. In addition, it is advisable to take certain preventive measures that may be helpful.

Endometrial cancer has a high chance of cure. Early diagnosis is essential. Take care of the adopted habits and make regular appointments with the gynecologist for consultation. Deserve.