Endometrial carcinoma is a cancer that develops in the endometrium of the lining of the uterus. Malignancy of the endometrium is a disease that affects about 60,000 women each year. Currently, endometrial cancer is the most common form of gynecological cancer affecting Western women. Let’s find out more about endometrial cancer Dr. Srinivas Juluri, Director – Surgical Oncology, Medicare Hospital, Hyderabad.
According to the National Cancer Registry Program Report 2020, published by ICMR in collaboration with the National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), the incidence of cancer in India is expected to increase by approximately 12% in the next five years. Will go The report further states that the prevalence of endometrial cancer will increase significantly, which is easily cured by surgery today.
Symptoms of endometrial cancer
Today, there is growing awareness among people for early detection and management of the disease and access to healthcare. Common symptoms of endometrial cancer include:
- Spotting
- Bleeding after menopause
- Thin white or clear vaginal discharge
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Below the abdomen, cramping in the pelvis
It is advisable to talk to your gynecologist or your healthcare provider once you notice these warning signs. A pelvic scan or a physical examination is a good start towards an early diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Patients may then choose endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy and guided biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Risk factors for endometrial cancer
Risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
- Mellitus diabetes
- Obesity
- Irregular estrogen levels
- Genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome
- Late menopause
- Aging
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Irregular ovulation
The long-term goal of care and therapy is to have a healthy uterus with minimal illness or co-illness related to the patient’s health. Therefore, regular monitoring of the lining of the uterus through regular check-ups and scans, conducting ultrasound imaging for early detection and treatment, and monitoring of factors such as diabetes and obesity are essential. Potential risk factors need time to be reduced before going for surgery.
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According to Dr. Juluri, the number of walk-ins for the treatment of endometrial cancer is already on the rise. Patient profiles during the women’s life cycle are usually from the 6th and 7th age groups. As surgical oncologists, we often get referrals from gynecologists for endometrial cancer because they are used to diagnose. Awareness and timely diagnosis are key to reducing the amount of discomfort and pain associated with endometrial cancer patients. Endometrial cancer and its complications can be easily dealt with today if we develop an understanding of the condition, raise awareness and respond quickly to symptoms.
Types of endometrial cancer
There are usually two types of endometrial cancer – type 1 and type 2. Although type 1 cancers are less invasive and do not usually spread rapidly to other tissues, type 2 cancers are more likely to spread outside the uterus, requiring intensive therapy. Treatment
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Treatment of endometrial cancer
The course of recovery depends on the initial diagnosis and treatment in individual cases.
More than 90% of endometrial cancers can be cured by laparoscopic surgery alone, while the rest require additional chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The acceptability of the surgery is quite high and there is hardly any reluctance or hesitation from the patients. Minimally invasive surgery has small incisions and patients are now open to robotic-assisted surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer
- Laparoscopic surgeries bring their own benefits and improved patient outcomes.
- Clinical outcomes after laparoscopic outcomes are better, infection rates are lower, patients have less complications and illnesses, the amount of pain is reduced, there is faster discharge and return to regular work sooner.
- Cancer specialists usually recommend a day off after surgery, but with the advancement of technology and surgical procedures, it may not take long for endometrial cancer surgery to see a discharge on the same day.
In India, with the increasing availability of trained medical and surgical oncologists and the wide range of diagnostic tools and latest medicines, patients and caregivers can be assured of receiving the best possible care at the right time. However, the key to a healthy outcome is always to take care of one’s health with self-examination, self-awareness and regular full body health check-ups and screenings.
Image Credit – Fripic