Know Your Disease
Endometrial Cancer
Overview
Endometrial cancer occurs in the uterus. The uterus is the remnant, pear-shaped pelvic organ in women where the fetus grows. Also known as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer starts in the sheets of cells that make up the uterus’ lining (endometrium). It is usually an
adenocarcinoma. Endometrial cancer is more common in the early stages because it often causes vaginal bleeding, encouraging women to see their cancer doctor in Kolkata and remove the uterus surgically, which can cure cancer.
Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding in menopause
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Abnormal, thin, or bloody discharge from the vagina
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Pain during sex
Treatment
Endometrial cancer treatment in Kolkata depends on factors such as stage, general health, and preferences. Depending on these factors, one or more of the following therapies will be advised.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses intense energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe radiation to reduce the risk of post-cancer surgery. In some situations, radiation therapy may be prescribed before a surgery, making it easier to removethe tumor to compress it.
If a woman is not strong enough to undergo a surgery, doctors only prescribe radiation therapy. In patients with advanced endometrial cancer, radiation therapy may provide support for controlling cancer-related pain, says the oncologist in Kolkata.
Radiation therapy may include:
External beam radiation: During this procedure, the patient remains in a lying position on a table while the machine directs the radiation to specific points on the body
Brachytherapy: It involves putting a radiation-filled tool within the vagina for a short period
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy involves taking drugs that affect hormone levels in the body. If advanced endometrial cancer is found, hormone therapy may be recommended that includes
- Drugs to increase progesterone levels in the body
- Medicines for lowering estrogen levels in the body
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be indicated for women with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that has progressed beyond the uterus.
Surgery
A surgical procedure to remove the uterus is recommended for most women with endometrial cancer. Most women with endometrial cancer undergo a hysterectomy, where the fallopian tubes and ovaries are also removed. (Salpingo-oophorectomy).
During the surgery, the surgeon will check for signs of cancer spreading around the uterus. The best cancer surgeon in Kolkata may also remove the lymph nodes for testing as it helps determine the stage of cancer.