Also known as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer affects the uterine lining, otherwise referred to as the endometrium. Symptoms include pain within the pelvis, post-menopause vaginal bleeding, and spotting between periods.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to have them evaluated immediately. Swift diagnosis and staging can make a profound difference in the outcome of the cancer, as well as the prognosis.
Doctors use a combination of the following procedures and tests to determine a cancer diagnosis:
Pelvic Exam – A physical exam of the pelvis and pelvic organs can identify abnormalities.
Diagnostic Imaging – A transvaginal ultrasound creates an image of the uterus and the endometrium. Doctors can review this image to search for signs of endometrial cancer. Some patients also receive CTs and MRIs.
Hysteroscopy – Using a thin, lighted hysteroscope, doctors can examine the interior of the uterus and evaluate the endometrium for potential abnormalities.
Biopsy or Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – Biopsies entail taking a tissue sample to be tested for the presence of cancerous cells. D&Cs work similarly, only these procedures involve scraping a larger portion of tissue from the uterine lining.
After diagnosis, medical staff will determine whether the cancer has spread to areas outside of the uterus. This process is known as staging, and stages of endometrial cancer are as follows:
Endometrial cancer has excellent 5-year survival rates when cancer cells are localized (meaning they have not spread to other areas of the body). This highlights the importance of regular gynaecological care and new symptom assessment, as early diagnosis of cancer offers the best prognosis for many people.