![]() ![]() Because the cancer usually spreads to the fallopian tubes and the ovaries first, the operation will involve the removal of the uterus (a hysterectomy) and both tubes and ovaries (a bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy). Most women with endometrial cancer will require surgery. Treatment options for endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is usually done if it is not possible to obtain a sample of cells when a pipelle biopsy is performed or if an ultrasound shows that the lining of the uterus is thicker than is should be. This procedure involves removal of a small amount of tissue from inside your uterus. If the lining of the uterus is less than 4 mm then the chance of a cancer of the endometrium is very low. ![]() After menopause, the lining of the uterus should be quite thin. UltrasoundĪn ultrasound is a good way of looking at the thickness of the lining of the uterus. ![]() However, a regular smear test can not be used to reliably diagnose endometrial cancer. ![]() The cells are sent to a lab where they are checked for abnormalities. No anaesthetic is needed for the procedure and it can be done by your GP.Ī pipelle biopsy is similar to a smear test and occasionally a smear test might find abnormal cells that suggest an endometrial cancer. Pipelle biopsyĪ pipelle biopsy is a simple procedure in which a small plastic tube like a straw is used to obtain some cells from the lining of the uterus. Sometimes an ultrasound will also be performed. Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is another option. The main way of diagnosing endometrial cancer is by taking a sample of the lining of the uterus in a simple procedure called a pipelle biopsy. Progesterone slows cell growth, balancing the stimulating effect of oestrogen, which helps prevent abnormal cell growth and the development of endometrial cancer. The combined contraceptive pill (and hormone replacement therapy) include both oestrogen and progesterone. How does the pill reduce my risk of endometrial cancer? In addition, although oestrogen is usually produced in the ovaries, fat cells can also make oestrogen so women who are overweight are more likely to produce enough oestrogen to stimulate the lining of the uterus even after menopause. Women who are overweight are less likely to have regular periods, and therefore more likely to have an abnormal build-up of endometrial cells. T he outcome for obese women is also worse for obese women compared to normal weight women. If you have a BMI of 35, your chance of getting endometrial cancer is more than 2 times greater than that of a woman with a BMI of 25. It has been estimated that 40% of endometrial cancers are due to obesity. Why does being obese increase my risk of endometrial cancer? If fertilisation does not occur, these cells are shed and a woman has her period.Īfter menopause, this cycle does not happen anymore which is why there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer after menopause. During a normal monthly cycle, endometrial cells lining the uterus grow and mature in response to the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, preparing a womb should fertilisation take place. Having regular periods protects against endometrial cancer because it prevents an abnormal build up of the cells lining the uterus. The increased risk of endometrial cancer after menopause is because the lining of the uterus is no longer shed as part of a woman’s period each month. Here are some common FAQs about risk factors Why is endometrial cancer more common after menopause? These are relatively rare (around 5%) but women with Lynch syndrome often develop endometrial cancer before menopause. Genetic problems such as Lynch syndrome.Hormone producing tumours – this is a rare cause of endometrial cancer.It is important to remember that the small increase in risk of endometrial cancer is much less than the improvement in survival from breast cancer.If you are prescribed tamoxifen your doctor will discuss this with you and also talk about how this risk can be minimised.Some hormone therapies used for breast cancer therapy such as Tamoxifen can also increase the risk of endometrial cancer.Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – women with PCOS often have irregular periods and are more likely to become overweight and develop diabetes.See the FAQ section below for further information. Endometrial cancer is much more common in post-menopausal women and being overweight increases your risk of developing endometrial cancer by at least 40%. The greatest risk factors for endometrial cancer are age and obesity. ![]()
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