Carcinoma of Endometrium

This cancer arises in the lining of the uterus called the endometrium

This type of cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in the genital tract.

Typically seen in women of age 50-70.

Some women may have taken unopposed estrogen in the past

Other risk factors may include:

   -    Obesity
   -    Diabetes
   -    Bearing no having children
   -    Polycystic ovaries
   -    Prolonged use of tamoxifen (for breast cancer)
   -    and others.

Symptoms

   -    Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
   -    Anemia
   -    Abdominal pain
   -    Vaginal discharge [white or clear]

Tissue (endometrial) sampling is important for prevention in those with abnormal bleeding.

Staging:

Stage IA:   Tumor only found in endometrium
Stage IB:   Less then half the myometrium involved
Stage IC:   More than half the myometrium involved
Stage IIA:   Endocervical involvement only
Stage IIB:   Cervical stromal invasion
Stage IIIA:   Tumor begins localized invasion or malignant peritoneal cytology
Stage IIIB:   Metastasis to vagina wall
Stage IIIC:   Metastasis to regional lymph nodes
Stage IVA:   Metastasis to bladder or bowel
Stage IVB:   Metastasis to distant organs

Treatment
  -   Surgical hysterectomy
  -   Cytologic examination
  -   Chemotherapy
  -   Hormone Therapy

Prognosis is 5+ yr survival of 80-85%

Greater the invasion the worst the prognosis