Endometrial cancer: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox | {{SI}} | ||
| | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| | | name = Endometrial cancer | ||
| | | image = [[File:Blausen_0348_EndometrialCancer.png|alt=Endometrial cancer]] | ||
| | | caption = Diagram showing endometrial cancer | ||
| | | field = [[Oncology]] | ||
| | | symptoms = [[Abnormal uterine bleeding]], [[pelvic pain]] | ||
| | | complications = [[Metastasis]], [[anemia]] | ||
| | | onset = Most common after [[menopause]] | ||
| | | duration = | ||
| | | types = [[Endometrioid carcinoma]], [[serous carcinoma]], [[clear cell carcinoma]] | ||
| | | causes = | ||
| | | risks = [[Obesity]], [[diabetes]], [[hypertension]], [[unopposed estrogen therapy]], [[polycystic ovary syndrome]] | ||
| | | diagnosis = [[Endometrial biopsy]], [[transvaginal ultrasound]] | ||
| | | differential = [[Endometrial hyperplasia]], [[cervical cancer]], [[ovarian cancer]] | ||
| | | prevention = [[Weight loss]], [[oral contraceptives]], [[progestin therapy]] | ||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], [[hormonal therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Progestins]], [[chemotherapy drugs]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good if diagnosed early | |||
| frequency = Most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Pie chart of relative incidences of endometrial carcinoma.png|thumb|Pie chart of relative incidences of endometrial carcinoma]] [[File:Histopathology of serous carcinoma of uterus.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of serous carcinoma of uterus]] [[File:Histopathology of endometrial cancer with lymphovascular invasion.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of endometrial cancer with lymphovascular invasion]] | [[File:Pie chart of relative incidences of endometrial carcinoma.png|left|thumb|Pie chart of relative incidences of endometrial carcinoma]] [[File:Histopathology of serous carcinoma of uterus.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of serous carcinoma of uterus]] [[File:Histopathology of endometrial cancer with lymphovascular invasion.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of endometrial cancer with lymphovascular invasion]] | ||
'''Endometrial cancer''' is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the [[endometrium]], which is the innermost lining layer of the [[uterus]]. As one of the most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignancies, especially in developed countries, understanding its etiology, clinical presentation, and management is pivotal for medical professionals, particularly those specializing in gynecologic oncology. | '''Endometrial cancer''' is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the [[endometrium]], which is the innermost lining layer of the [[uterus]]. As one of the most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignancies, especially in developed countries, understanding its etiology, clinical presentation, and management is pivotal for medical professionals, particularly those specializing in gynecologic oncology. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Endometrial cancer holds the position as the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic cancer in the United States, with annual estimates exceeding 35,000 cases. The majority of these cases are found in post-menopausal women, although younger women are not exempt from this diagnosis. | Endometrial cancer holds the position as the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic cancer in the United States, with annual estimates exceeding 35,000 cases. The majority of these cases are found in post-menopausal women, although younger women are not exempt from this diagnosis. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The development of endometrial cancer is often linked to prolonged exposure to unopposed [[estrogen]]. This hormonal imbalance leads to endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor to endometrial cancer. Several conditions, such as [[polycystic ovarian syndrome]] (PCOS), [[obesity]], and estrogen-secreting tumors can elevate estrogen levels in the body. | The development of endometrial cancer is often linked to prolonged exposure to unopposed [[estrogen]]. This hormonal imbalance leads to endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor to endometrial cancer. Several conditions, such as [[polycystic ovarian syndrome]] (PCOS), [[obesity]], and estrogen-secreting tumors can elevate estrogen levels in the body. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Most women present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, often post-menopausal. However, younger women may experience irregular menstrual periods or bleeding between cycles. Additionally, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and an enlarged uterus can also be indicative signs. | Most women present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, often post-menopausal. However, younger women may experience irregular menstrual periods or bleeding between cycles. Additionally, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and an enlarged uterus can also be indicative signs. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnostic gold standard is an [[endometrial biopsy]], which allows for histological examination of the endometrial tissue. If malignancy is suspected, further imaging, including a [[transvaginal ultrasound]], may be warranted to assess the tumor's size and possible invasion into surrounding structures. | The diagnostic gold standard is an [[endometrial biopsy]], which allows for histological examination of the endometrial tissue. If malignancy is suspected, further imaging, including a [[transvaginal ultrasound]], may be warranted to assess the tumor's size and possible invasion into surrounding structures. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Early detection of endometrial cancer typically results in favorable outcomes, with a variety of treatment options available: | Early detection of endometrial cancer typically results in favorable outcomes, with a variety of treatment options available: | ||
* '''Surgery:''' [[Hysterectomy]], often with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes), is commonly performed. Lymph nodes may also be removed to check for metastatic spread. | * '''Surgery:''' [[Hysterectomy]], often with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes), is commonly performed. Lymph nodes may also be removed to check for metastatic spread. | ||
* '''Radiation Therapy:''' Used post-operatively, or in patients unfit for surgery. | * '''Radiation Therapy:''' Used post-operatively, or in patients unfit for surgery. | ||
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==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Owing to the characteristic presentation of abnormal bleeding in its early stages, many cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed promptly, leading to a generally favorable prognosis. The survival rates are significantly higher for endometrial cancer compared to other gynecologic cancers when detected early. | Owing to the characteristic presentation of abnormal bleeding in its early stages, many cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed promptly, leading to a generally favorable prognosis. The survival rates are significantly higher for endometrial cancer compared to other gynecologic cancers when detected early. | ||
==Summary== | ==Summary== | ||
For medical students, understanding the complexities of endometrial cancer, from its pathophysiology to its management, is crucial. Given its prevalence, clinicians are likely to encounter patients with this diagnosis, necessitating a thorough and compassionate approach to care. | For medical students, understanding the complexities of endometrial cancer, from its pathophysiology to its management, is crucial. Given its prevalence, clinicians are likely to encounter patients with this diagnosis, necessitating a thorough and compassionate approach to care. | ||
Latest revision as of 15:56, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Endometrial cancer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain |
| Complications | Metastasis, anemia |
| Onset | Most common after menopause |
| Duration | |
| Types | Endometrioid carcinoma, serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma |
| Causes | |
| Risks | Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, unopposed estrogen therapy, polycystic ovary syndrome |
| Diagnosis | Endometrial biopsy, transvaginal ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Endometrial hyperplasia, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer |
| Prevention | Weight loss, oral contraceptives, progestin therapy |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy |
| Medication | Progestins, chemotherapy drugs |
| Prognosis | Generally good if diagnosed early |
| Frequency | Most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries |
| Deaths | |
Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the endometrium, which is the innermost lining layer of the uterus. As one of the most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignancies, especially in developed countries, understanding its etiology, clinical presentation, and management is pivotal for medical professionals, particularly those specializing in gynecologic oncology.
Epidemiology[edit]
Endometrial cancer holds the position as the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic cancer in the United States, with annual estimates exceeding 35,000 cases. The majority of these cases are found in post-menopausal women, although younger women are not exempt from this diagnosis.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The development of endometrial cancer is often linked to prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogen. This hormonal imbalance leads to endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor to endometrial cancer. Several conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and estrogen-secreting tumors can elevate estrogen levels in the body.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Most women present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, often post-menopausal. However, younger women may experience irregular menstrual periods or bleeding between cycles. Additionally, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and an enlarged uterus can also be indicative signs.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnostic gold standard is an endometrial biopsy, which allows for histological examination of the endometrial tissue. If malignancy is suspected, further imaging, including a transvaginal ultrasound, may be warranted to assess the tumor's size and possible invasion into surrounding structures.
Treatment[edit]
Early detection of endometrial cancer typically results in favorable outcomes, with a variety of treatment options available:
- Surgery: Hysterectomy, often with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes), is commonly performed. Lymph nodes may also be removed to check for metastatic spread.
- Radiation Therapy: Used post-operatively, or in patients unfit for surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Employed for advanced or recurrent cases.
- Hormone Therapy: Used especially for patients with hormone-receptor positive tumors.
Prognosis[edit]
Owing to the characteristic presentation of abnormal bleeding in its early stages, many cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed promptly, leading to a generally favorable prognosis. The survival rates are significantly higher for endometrial cancer compared to other gynecologic cancers when detected early.
Summary[edit]
For medical students, understanding the complexities of endometrial cancer, from its pathophysiology to its management, is crucial. Given its prevalence, clinicians are likely to encounter patients with this diagnosis, necessitating a thorough and compassionate approach to care.
References[edit]
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External Links[edit]
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| Tumors of the female urogenital system | ||||||||||||||||||||
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 Women's health |
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