Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer affecting the female reproductive organs. It begins in the endometrium, which is the layer of tissue lining the inside of the uterus, or womb. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a foetus develops during pregnancy.
The uterus has two main parts:
Before a menstrual period, the endometrium thickens. If pregnancy does not occur, this tissue is shed as menstrual flow. This cycle ceases after menopause.
Almost all uterine cancers originate in the endometrium. The most common form is Endometrial Adenocarcinoma, which forms from the cells lining the inside of certain organs.
A rare cancer that forms in the muscle wall of the uterus, not the endometrium.
Cancer cells that appear as a mix of adenocarcinoma and sarcoma cells.
An uncommon and malignant form of endometrial cancer, usually affecting women who have gone through menopause.
A rare and aggressive subtype, making up less than 5% of all uterine carcinomas.
While many women in India are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year (with most being endometrial cancers), nearly 80% of cases are diagnosed in women aged 55 or older. However, diagnoses in younger women are increasing.
Endometrial cancers often develop over several years, sometimes starting as a pre-cancerous condition like endometrial hyperplasia (an overgrowth of cells in the uterine lining). Fortunately, many cases are detected early due to clear warning signs like abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding, which often leads to successful treatment.
Factors that increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer include:
Being overweight can raise your risk two to four times, as higher fat tissue increases oestrogen levels, which can stimulate endometrial growth.
Eating a diet high in fat.
Over 95% of cases occur in women aged 40 and above.
Starting periods before age 12 or going through menopause late.
While risk factors increase your chance of developing the condition, having them does not guarantee a diagnosis. It is always wise to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Endometrial cancer symptoms can vary.
If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, you should consult your doctor:
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be signs of other health problems, but they must be discussed with your doctor to rule out cancer.
Early and accurate diagnosis significantly improves the chance of successful treatment. The care team at SSCHRC uses advanced techniques and technology for diagnosis and staging to determine the most effective treatment plan.
If your doctor suspects endometrial cancer, a biopsy is the first step, involving the removal and microscopic study of suspected tissue. Methods include:
If cancer is diagnosed, imaging helps determine the extent of the disease and check for spread outside the uterus. Tests may include:
These tests provide information on how your body is functioning and may include:
Genetic counselling may be recommended if you:
Treatment for endometrial cancer is highly personalised at SSCHRC and is based on several factors, including the cancer's type, stage, molecular characteristics, and your general health. A collaborative team of specialists works together to ensure comprehensive care while minimising side effects.
One or more of the following therapies may be recommended:
For women who wish to retain the ability to have children, options for preserving the uterus may include oral progesterone or a progesterone-eluting intrauterine device (IUD).
Surgery is the main treatment for endometrial cancer and is crucial for staging the disease. Procedures may include:
Surgery can be Minimally Invasive (using small incisions and a laparoscope or robotic surgery) for faster healing, or Open (using a large incision). If the cancer has spread to the abdomen, Tumour Debulking may be performed to remove as much cancer as possible before further treatment.
This uses powerful, focused energy beams to kill cancer cells, accurately targeting the tumour while protecting healthy tissue. It may be used after a hysterectomy, as the primary treatment if surgery is not possible, or at other stages.
Drugs are used to kill cancer cells, control their growth, or relieve symptoms. It may involve a single drug or a combination, depending on the cancer type and growth rate.
If tests show cancer cells have receptors for hormones, drugs can be used to reduce or block the hormones that cause the cancer to grow. These therapies may include:
These drugs are designed to interfere with specific molecules (like proteins) that cancer cells need to survive, multiply, and spread.
This treatment improves the body's own immune system's ability to find and eliminate cancer cells.
SSCHRC often participates in clinical trials, offering patients access to new and promising treatment options.