Endometrial Cancer
What is endometrial cancer?
According to a gynaecological cancer doctor in Kolkata, endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, is a kind of cancer that begins in the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium. It usually affects women who have gone through menopause, but it can also occur in younger women. It is typically diagnosed through a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample from the endometrium for examination under a microscope.
What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?
The initial symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms may include:
1. Abnormal vaginal discharge
2. Pelvic pain or discomfort
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
4 . The feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
5. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
6. Unintended weight loss
Causes of endometrial cancer
There are some factors that can put a woman at high risk of developing endometrial cancer. These have been explained below by a gynae oncologist in Kolkata.
1. Age : The risk of endometrial cancer increases with age, particularly after menopause
2. Hormonal imbalances : An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
3. Obesity : Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of endometrial cancer, as fat cells produce estrogen, which promotes the growth of endometrial cancer cells.
4. Diabetes : Women with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, possibly due to changes in insulin levels and the body’s response to insulin.
5. Family history : A family history of endometrial, ovarian, or colorectal cancer may increase a woman’s risk of developing endometrial cancer.
6. Lynch syndrome : A genetic condition that increases the risk of several kinds of cancer, including endometrial cancer.
7. Radiation therapy : Women who have received radiation therapy to the pelvic area may have an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Treatments of endometrial cancer
The main treatment options for endometrial cancer have been discussed below by the best oncologist in Kolkata.
1. Radiation therapy : It utilizes high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells. It may be used post-surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or to shrink tumours before surgery.
2. Chemotherapy : It is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in cases where cancer has spread beyond the uterus or when cancer has a high risk of recurrence.
3. Hormonal therapy : Hormonal therapy uses medications to block the effects of estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of some types of endometrial cancer.
4. Targeted therapy : Targeted therapy uses medications to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
5. Surgery : The primary treatment for most cases of endometrial cancer is surgery, which involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This procedure is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In some cases, lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen may also be removed.
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Dr. Tanmoy Kumar Mandal
D.M.(Medical Oncology), M.D.(General Medicine)