The endometrium is the lining of a woman's uterus. Endometrial cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread in the uterus. Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, uterine cramping, painful urination and pain with intercourse. An endometrial biopsy may be done to determine the presence of endometrial cancer. The patient and physician will determine the most effective course of treatment based on the stage and grade of the cancer and the patient's overall health.
Surgery
Surgery is a possible treatment for endometrial cancer. Most doctors recommend either the surgical removal of the uterus alone (hysterectomy) or, more likely, the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), reports the Mayo Clinic. The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes that are closest to the affected area. This will help determine if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
Radiation Therapy
According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Radiation therapy may be given externally through a machine outside of the body, or internally through the surgical implantation of radioactive seeds, wires or rods at the affected area. Side effects of radiation therapy may include skin burns and fatigue.
Hormonal Therapy
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, synthetic progestin, a form of the hormone progesterone, may stop it from growing, reports the Mayo Clinic. This type of therapy may be desirable to women who are still of childbearing age and want to preserve their uterus for possible future pregnancy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used to treat endometrial cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of potent drugs to kill cancer cells and keep them from multiplying. It can be given intravenously (IV) or in the form of a pill to be taken by mouth. Chemotherapy is usually used in women with an advanced stage of uterine cancer.
