10 Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer that originates from the lining of the uterus. It occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the lining. Those abnormal cells acquire the ability to spread to other parts of the body via local invasion or through the blood and lymph systems.
Endometrial cancer most commonly occurs after menopause. It is also associated with high blood pressure, excessive estrogen exposure, and diabetes. It has been observed that approximately 40 percent of cases are related to obesity. Although estrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer, the combination of estrogen and progesterone that is often found in birth control pills can decrease the risk of cancer development. 2 - 5 percent of endometrial cancer cases are hereditary.
Endometrial cancer is often referred to as uterine cancer. However, it is distinct from other types of uterine cancer such as uterine sarcoma, cervical cancer, and trophoblastic disease. The most common type of endometrial cancer – nearly 80 percent of all cases – is endometrioid carcinoma. Diagnosis of endometrial cancer can be done by obtaining samples through dilation and curettage or endometrial biopsy. A pap smear is usually not sufficient for the diagnosis to be made.
Treatment of endometrial cancer usually involves a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy may be recommended in advanced cases. The prognosis for many cases is good if the disease is diagnosed during the early stages, with an overall five-year survival rate of more than 80 percent in the United States. The rates of endometrial cancer were seen to increase between the 1980s and 2010. This is believed to be due to increased rates of obesity, along with growing longevity of elderly individuals. In 2012, there were 320,000 new cases of endometrial cancers that resulted in 76,000 deaths. It is the third most common cause of cancer deaths among women.
Symptom #1: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can refer to bleeding after menopause or intermenstrual bleeding such as spotting between the days of menstruation. This is an important symptom as it is one of the characteristics of endometrial cancer.
Patients who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially those who have gone through menopause, should seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible. Other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include endometrial atrophy, polyps, sexually transmitted diseases, endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal atrophy, uterine fibroids, and more.
Symptom #2: Abnormal Menstrual Cycles
The menstrual cycle is a process that occurs in the female body to produce an egg for potential fertilization and to prepare the body for pregnancy. As females go through puberty, the changes in their hormone levels will eventually settle and most women will have a regular menstrual cycle.
In uterine cancer, the menstrual cycle changes, causing extremely heavy flows or frequent and longer episodes of menstruation. Those who experience abnormal changes should seek a professional opinion, especially for those who have risk factors for development of endometrial cancer.
Symptom #3: Dysuria
Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination. It is often described as a burning or stinging sensation while urinating. It is most commonly due to a urinary tract infection. However, it can also be due to bladder tumors, bladder stones, sexually transmitted diseases, side effect of medications, and more.
In uterine cancer, dysuria may occur if the growth of cancer involves the urinary system or is obstructing the urinary tracts.
Symptom #4: Vaginal Discharge
All females have a normal amount of vaginal discharge, which changes with the different phases of their menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge is usually a mix of bacteria, cells, and liquids that help to protect and lubricate the vagina. For each woman, the quality, composition, and amount of discharge can vary depending on their reproductive development.
Normal vaginal discharge is often clear, thin, sticky, and odorless. Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as those seen in endometrial cancer, often have a different color along with a foul odor. The discharge from uterine cancer can also be purulent. Other associated symptoms often include pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain, and itching.
Symptom #5: Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is a term used to describe pain during sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia can have many factors, such as medical, psychological, relationship, or social causes. Dyspareunia is also a symptom of cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer;
it may also affect women after menopause due to vaginal atrophy and dryness. Seek medical attention to rule out any a diagnosis of cancer.
Symptom #6: Loss Of Weight
Weight loss is defined as the reduction of body mass due to the loss of muscle, fat, fluids, bone mineral deposits, and other types of connective tissue. Weight loss that is intentional, such as decreased calorie intake or increased energy expenditure through activities like exercise, is normal.
On the other hand, unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of diseases such as nutritional deficiency, malnourishment, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, cancer, and more. In cancer cases, the loss of weight is often known as wasting syndrome or cachexia when there are additional symptoms such as muscle atrophy, fatigue, and weakness. Cancer patients who experience cachexia often have a poor prognosis for recovery.
Symptom #7: Pain And Pressure In The Pelvis
Pain and pressure in the pelvis are often symptoms of cancer growth in that area. These symptoms are often seen in uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, cervical cancer, and more.
In endometrial cancer, pain and pressure in the pelvis are symptoms that are often seen in later stages. Patients with these symptoms should seek a professional opinion and avoid delaying treatment.
Symptom #8: Abdominal Pain And Bloating
Abdominal pain and bloating are both common and non-specific symptoms that are often seen in most gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, and more. The abdomen can be divided into nine regions: right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, left lumbar, umbilical region, right lumbar, right iliac, suprapubic, and left iliac. In most cases, the location of pain is a clue for the underlying cause of pain and bloat.
Patients often complain of abdominal bloating by expressing a feeling of fullness and tightness of the abdomen. In endometrial cancer, abdominal pain and bloating can occur if there is also an involvement of the gastrointestinal system.
Symptom #9: Pelvic Mass
A pelvic mass is an enlargement or swelling in the pelvic region. The mass can be found by the patient herself or by the physician during routine examination. Some associated symptoms of a pelvic mass include increasing abdominal size, abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, increased urinary frequency, nausea, vomiting, and more.
A pelvic mass can be from the bladder, uterus, ureters, cervix, uterine adnexa, and more. It is important for patients to see a doctor if they notice a pelvic mass to receive early and appropriate treatment. In addition to endometrial cancer, some other conditions that can cause a pelvic mass include ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometrial hyperplasia.
Symptom #10: Loss Of Appetite
Loss of appetite, or anorexia, is a common and non-specific symptom that can be seen in various infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic), cancers, premenstrual syndrome, side effect of medications, and more. The loss of appetite that occurs during an infection is thought to be due to an acute phase response that is triggered by different components of the offending pathogen.
In cancer, appetite loss can be associated with weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and a poor quality of life. It also corresponds with a poor prognosis for recovery. The management of anorexia, especially among cancer patients, involves appetite stimulants and nutritional counseling.