Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the endometrium, which is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer and most cases occur in women between the ages of 60 and 70.
Causes
The exact cause of the development of endometrial cancer is unknown, but it is believed to develop as a result of increased levels of estrogen. Estrogen has been shown to stimulate the growth of the endometrium, which may cause the tissue to accumulate inside of the uterus and promote cancerous growths.
Risk Factors
A number of factors can put a woman at an increased risk for developing endometrial cancer. MayoClinic.com notes that one of the risk factors of developing endometrial cancer is a high number of years of menstruation. If a woman begins menstruation early or goes through menopause late, she is exposed to more increases in estrogen levels than the average woman. This can facilitate the growth of the endometrium as well as the development of cancer. Irregular periods of ovulation can also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Failure to release an egg from the ovaries every month can keep estrogen levels in the body high for extended periods of time. Obesity and a high fat diet can also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. MayoClinic.com also notes that women who have never been pregnant are also at a higher risk, although the cause is not fully understood.
Symptoms
Because endometrial cancer causes a lot of symptoms, it is generally caught early, which increases a woman's survival rate. In most cases, the initial symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other symptoms include prolonged menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse and unintentional weight loss.
Treatment
A hysterectomy is the most common treatment method for women who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. A hysterectomy may involve the removal of the uterus alone or the removal of the uterus as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Lymph nodes surrounding the area are usually removed as well. A complete hysterectomy is the only way to make sure the cancer has been removed from the body, according to MayoClinic.com. If the cancer has already metastasized to other areas of the body, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy may also be needed.
Prognosis
Endometrial cancer can usually be successfully treated when discovered early. According to MayoClinic.com, five-year survival rates for women who have been treated for endometrial cancer are 95 percent. If cancer has metastasized, the five-year survival rate drops below 25 percent.
