Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

It is considered the best gynecological cancer as it shows signs early in the course leading to early detection and earlier treatment with better outcomes and prognosis.

Risk factors:
-    Obesity
-    Diabetes
-    Hypertension
-    Nulliparity
-    Early menarche
-    Late menopause
-    Polycystic ovary syndrome
-    Estrogen supplementation without progesterone
-    Family history

Symptoms:
-    Abnormal vaginal bleeding
-    Heavy cycles
-    Irregular cycles
-    Intermenstrual bleeding
-    Postmenopausal bleeding
-    Pelvic pain
-    Pain during sex

Diagnosis:
-    Thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasound
-    Tissue biopsy
-    Using MRI imaging to determine disease stage

Stages of the disease:
Stage one: confined to uterus
Stage two: reaches cervix
Stage three: spreads outside uterus but confined to pelvis
Stage four: spreading to bowel, bladder or distant organs

Most of the cases are revealed at stage one and that is why it is the most curable gynecological malignancy.

Treatment depends on:
-    Fertility desires
-    Stage of disease

Treatment options:
-    Surgery with uterine resection
-    Radiation therapy
-    Hormonal therapy for fertility preservation
-    Chemotherapy in advanced stages

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist