Tuesday, March 1, 2011

All About Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a condition where cancer cells form layers in the endometrial linings of the female uterus which is why it is sometimes referred to as Uterine Cancer. But endometrial cancer is not the only cancer concerning the uterus. There are many cancers starting from the uterine area, but endometrial is the most common.

Aside from being one of the most common types of cancer, endometrial cancer is also one of the easiest to detect due to its obvious symptom of irregular vaginal bleeding. Treatment of endometrial cancer often involves surgical removal of the uterus or hysterectomy.

The exact cause of endometrial cancer, like most cancers, is still unknown. However, studies on animals discovered that excessive estrogen in the blood can cause the buildup of cell in the uterus' lining. In humans, ovaries secrete two hormones, the progesterone and estrogen. Unbalanced hormones in the body may lead to various diseases including ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Age can also be a factor in cancer. Women above 60 are in danger of acquiring the disease but there are also some few cases involving women even below 30. Those who have had benign tumors in the uterus are most likely to experience endometrial cancer. Diabetic and obese people are also susceptible to the disease. Females with early menstruation and late menopause also have higher cancer risks. Longer years of menstruation follow longer exposure of the endometrial linings to estrogen.

Avoiding pregnancy can also lead to cancer. Studies showed that females who haven't been pregnant have greater risk in acquiring the illness. Women undergoing breast cancer medication can also be inflicted with endometrial caner. The drug tamoxifen administered for breast cancer patients increases the risk for uterine ailments. Nonetheless, tamoxifen is still accepted as a medicine since it provides more positive results than side effects.

Genetic syndromes such as HNPCC or Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer also heighten possibility for acquiring cancer. These syndromes occur due to mutation of genes inherited by children from their parents. People diagnosed with HNPCC should immediately consult their doctors and undergo cancer tests.

Symptoms that may entail endometrial cancer include infertility and irregular menstrual periods. Abnormally long periods, especially for women aged 40 and above, can also be a sign of the disease. Post menopausal females will also notice a white vaginal discharge. Recurrent abdominal pains can also signify uterine cancer.

When experiencing such symptoms it is best to consult with a doctor as soon as possible. Doctors will conduct pelvic examination as first diagnosis. If there are any changes in the shape or size of the uterus and related organs, this can mean that the cancer is already on a higher stage. Patients may be asked to undergo Dilation and Curettage or Biopsy for further tests and to classify the stage of the cancer.

Initial stage of endometrial cancer is when the cancer cells are only in the uterus. It is already stage two once it affects the cervix and it is stage three if it has already infected the surrounding tissues within the pelvis area. The most critical stage of the disease is when the cancer cells have already reached the abdomen, the bladder and other organs.

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