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Endometrial Cancer
Description
Endometrial cancer occurs most often in women 50-70 years of age.
This is a very treatable cancer, with over 80% survival after 5 years. The earlier it is detected the better the prognosis
In pre-menopausal women, the incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is 5 times lower than the incidence of cervical cancer, but after 70 years of age they occur at the same frequency.
There are two types of EC: type I and type II. Type I is estrogen-dependent, which appears mostly in pre- and perimenopausal women.
Type II EC is estrogen-independent and is diagnosed mostly in postmenopausal women, thin and fertile women, or in women with normal menstrual cycles. It is aggressive and has a worse prognosis than type I.
Risk Factors
Never having been pregnant
Obesity
Diabetes
Polycystic ovary disease
Taking estrogen without progesterone
Tamoxifen use, a medication for breast cancer
Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding
Pus from vagina
Lower abdominal pain
Diagnosis
Endometrial biopsy
Hysteroscopy (scope passed through the cervix into the uterus)
Ultrasound
MRI
Similar Conditions
Ovarian cancer
Uterine fibroids
Treatment
Total hysterectomy, including the ovaries
Radiation treatment for more severe cases
Progestins for advanced cancers
Prevention
Progesterone (e.g., Provera) should be given in conjunction with estrogen replacement therapy during menopause.
Women being treated for breast cancer now receive Tamoxifen for shorter durations, usually only 5 years. Consult an oncologist (cancer specialist) for exact recommendations.
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