Thursday 2 March 2017

Endometrial cancer | Dr.Snita Sinukumar

Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium).

• The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows during pregnancy. The fallopian tubes on both sides of it connect it to the ovaries and the cervix connects it to the vagina.

• These reproductive organs are located in the pelvis, close to the bladder and rectum.

• The endometrium is the inside lining of the uterus that grows each month during the childbearing years.
Risk factors for endometrial cancer

Include use of estrogen without progesterone,
Diabetes, hypertension.
Tamoxifen use.
Later age of menopause .
Heredity also plays a role in a small percentage of women with endometrial cancer.
The most common warning sign for uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer, is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Recognition of this symptom often affords an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. In older women, any bleeding after menopause may be a symptom of endometrial cancer. Younger women are also at risk, and should note irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding as

This can be symptoms of endometrial cancer.

Symptoms for endometrial cancer include:

Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
New onset of heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods
A watery pink or white discharge from the vagina
Two or more weeks of persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
Pain during sexual intercourse
When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a rectogvaginal exam, and a general physical should be performed. If the exam is abnormal, the woman should undergo an endometrial biopsy, ultrasound and/or and a D&C (dilation and curettage) procedure.
Endometrial cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

Your specific treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:

The stage, grade and specific subtype (histology) of your cancer
The size and location of your cancer
Your age and general health
The most common treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery. Several types of surgery can be performed.
Hysterectomy:
involves removal of the uterus and cervix and is the standard procedure for treating endometrial cancer. The uterus and cervix can be removed in one of three ways:

Total abdominal hysterectomy: the uterus and cervix are taken out through an incision in the abdomen.
Radical abdominal hysterectomy: in addition to the uterus and cervix, the tissue next to the uterus and cervix, as well as part of the upper vagina, are also removed.
Minimally invasive hysterectomy (laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy): the uterus and cervix are taken out through the vagina with the assistance of a laparoscope or robotic device (a small tube-like viewing instrument) that is placed through the abdomen via a small incision.
In most cases, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes must also be removed. This procedure is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis may also be taken out to see whether they contain cancer.

Side effects of surgery:

Some discomfort is common after surgery. It often can be controlled with medicine. Tell your treatment team if you are experiencing any pain. Other possible side effects are:

Nausea and vomiting
Infection, fever
Wound problems
Fullness due to fluid in the abdomen
Shortness of breath due to fluid around the lungs
Anemia
Swelling cause by lymphedema, usually in the legs
Blood clots
Difficulty urinating or constipation
Shortening of the vagina
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the side effects listed above.
Click here for more details : Cancer Specialist in Pune

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