Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus and is the most common cancer of the uterus. Its main early warning sign is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially any bleeding after menopause. Because this symptom often appears early, many endometrial cancers are found at a stage when surgery alone can be curative.
Warning Signs
- Bleeding after menopause, even spotting
- Heavy, prolonged or irregular periods after 40
- Bleeding between periods
- Watery or blood-stained discharge
- Pelvic pain or pressure in later stages
Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Never having been pregnant
- Late menopause
- Estrogen therapy without progesterone
- Tamoxifen use
- Lynch syndrome or family history
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Transvaginal ultrasound: measures lining thickness
- Endometrial biopsy: a sample of the lining is taken in the clinic
- Hysteroscopy: a camera looks inside the uterus and allows targeted biopsy
- MRI or CT: to assess spread if cancer is confirmed
How Is It Treated?
Surgery
- Total hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries and tubes
- Sentinel lymph node mapping or lymph node removal
- Often done by laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which may allow faster recovery
Additional treatment
- Radiation, including vaginal brachytherapy, for some stages
- Chemotherapy for higher-risk or advanced cancers
- Hormone therapy in selected cases
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for some tumour types
Fertility-sparing treatment
In very early, low-grade cancer in young women, hormone treatment may be considered with close monitoring.
Recovery After Surgery
- Hospital stay of one to three days after minimally invasive surgery
- Return to light activity within two weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting and intercourse for about six weeks
- Follow-up visits for several years
Key Takeaways
- Bleeding after menopause is the key warning sign.
- Obesity and diabetes increase risk.
- Biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
- Surgery is the main treatment.
- Many cases are found early and cured.
Final Thoughts
Postmenopausal bleeding should never be ignored. Early evaluation often leads to early diagnosis and very good outcomes. For gynecological cancer assessment and surgery, you can consult Dr. Varadharajan, a surgical oncologist in Chennai.
