Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Starting in the lining of a womans uterus, endometrial cancer is caused when your body has a hormonal imbalance.
When you have too much of the hormone estrogen relative to the hormone progesterone, the lining of the uterus grows too thick and allows tumors to grow.
The hormonal imbalance may be caused by using estrogen to treat menopause or by having ovarian tumors that produce estrogen. Obesity also increases your risk; fat cells make extra estrogen that isnt balanced out with more progesterone.
Hormonal birth control can reduce your risk of endometrial cancer, although keep in mind it has risks of its own. Studies show you can remain protected from this cancer for up to 10 years after you stop taking hormonal birth control.
Call your doctor if you have vaginal bleeding or unexplained weight loss. When found early, endometrial cancer is very treatable. Aggressive treatments may include removal of parts of the female reproductive system, including the uterus and ovaries.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the risks of a lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer?
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Risks of a lymphadenectomy include: Bleeding. Infection. Collection of lymph fluid in the pelvis (lymphocele). Full Answer
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- Q How effective is a lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer?
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Removal of lymph nodes helps to determine whether cancer is present and provides more accurate information about the extent and type of cancer cell growth. Removal of the cancerous lymph nodes may reduce the spread of cancer. Full Answer
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- Q Why may I need a lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer?
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Some doctors recommend that a lymphadenectomy be performed in all cases of endometrial cancer. Others believe that this procedure might not be needed when the cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage and is found to be a slow-growing grade.... Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect after having a lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer?
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Lymphadenectomy usually is done under general anesthesia. The length of time required for recovery depends upon the extent of the procedure. If the procedure is done with a laparoscope rather than by open abdominal incision, recovery time may be... Full Answer
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- Q What is a lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer?
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Lymphadenectomy is surgery to remove lymph nodes. A lymphadenectomy, also called lymph node dissection, may be done to examine certain lymph nodes for endometrial cancer cells. The removal and examination of the cancerous lymph nodes will determine the... Full Answer
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- Q What are the different types of uterine cancer?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyAmong the women who are diagnosed with uterine cancer, about 75% are found to have a type called endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Less commonly, patients may develop sarcomas of the uterus. The most common subtype of uterine sarcoma is called a... Full Answer
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- Q How can I reduce my risk of uterine cancer?
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Dr. Lauren Streicher, Obstetrics & GynecologyHere are five steps that may dramatically reduce your risk of uterine cancer: A Pill a Day -- The use of birth control pills for at least 12 months decreases the risk of uterine cancer by a whopping 50-80 percent. This protection lasts for 15... Full Answer
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- Q How dangerous is uterine cancer?
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Dr. Lauren Streicher, Obstetrics & GynecologyMost uterine cancer is diagnosed in its early stages so relatively few women die from it. The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed when their cancer is still in stage I is 96%. That's why it is so important to evaluate abnormal bleeding... Full Answer
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- Q How is endometrial cancer treated?
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Different types of treatment are available for patients with endometrial cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help... Full Answer
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- Q What is recurrent endometrial cancer?
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Recurrent endometrial cancer is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. The cancer may come back in the pelvis, in lymph nodes in the abdomen, or in other parts of the body. This answer is based on source information from the... Full Answer
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