Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer develops from the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus. 95% of uterine cancers develop in the endometrium. More than 80% of all endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas, which forms in the inner lining of the uterus.
Other types of endometrial cancer include:
- Adenosquamous carcinoma
- Serous adenocarcinoma
- Uterine carcinosarcoma
Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer
Some people who get endometrial cancer have a specific mutation in their DNA that increases their risk of getting endometrial cancer. Our hereditary cancer program can provide important information to you and your family so we can identify cancer early, when it is most treatable, and plan your treatment.
Risk factors associated with endometrial cancer include:
- Age.
- Family history of endometrial cancer.
- Having had breast or ovarian cancer.
- Hormone imbalance.
- Long-term use of hormone replacement.
- Menstruation beginning at an early age.
- Not having children.
- Obesity.
- Type 2 diabetes.
Make an appointment
For more information, please contact your oncologist or the Cancer Care Center at (859) 301-2237, option 2.
Causes of Endometrial Cancer
The causes of endometrial cancer are not yet known. Your risk of developing the disease is higher if you have any of the known risk factors.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer often has no symptoms. Signs and symptoms that can appear are:
- Abnormal menstruation.
- Pelvic pain or mass in your abdomen.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Diagnosing Endometrial Cancer
If your doctor suspects that you have endometrial cancer, they may run tests to determine the stage of cancer to develop the best treatment plan. These tests include:
- Biopsy.
- Blood tests to check genetic makeup and blood markers.
- CT scan.
- MRI.
- PET/CT scan.
- Pelvic exam.
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
If you’ve been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, we can provide a second opinion and present treatment options.
Treating Endometrial Cancer
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we believe in caring for you, not just treating your cancer. Our holistic approach means we combine cancer treatment with working to minimize side effects and help you manage them. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible while we use innovative approaches to treat your cancer.
Treatment for endometrial cancer usually begins with surgery. We have expertise in robotic-assisted hysterectomy and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers.
Depending on the stage of your cancer and whether it has spread, your treatment may include:
Preventing Endometrial Cancer
There is no way to prevent endometrial cancer, but you can lower your risk by:
- Controlling Type 2 diabetes.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.