Endometrial cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells invade the inside lining of the uterus (endometrium) and begin to grow and spread. Endometrial cancer may be discovered by pap smear, endometrial biopsy, and dilation and curettage (D&C). Signs and symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine pain and cramping, vaginal bleeding after menopause or increased vaginal discharge. Several treatment options are available for endometrial cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is a common option for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Treatment is usually based on the stage and grade of cancer and the patient’s overall health. According to Mayo Clinic, most doctors recommend either the surgical removal of the uterus alone (hysterectomy) or, more likely, the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). At the time of surgery, nearby lymph nodes are usually removed for examination to determine if cancer has spread outside of the uterus.
Chemotherapy and Medication
Chemotherapy uses very potent medications to destroy cancer cells in the body and keep them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given through a vein, through a surgically placed medi-port, or in the form of a pill taken by mouth. Doctors typically recommend that women with stage 3 or stage 4 cancer undergo chemotherapy for the best treatment outcome. Hormonal therapy may be used in the treatment of endometrial cancer. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, synthetic progestin, a form of the hormone progesterone, may stop it from growing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy incorporates the use of high beam x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation may be given externally or internally. During external radiation, a machine outside of the body delivers radiation to the affected area. With internal radiation therapy, radioactive rods, seeds or wires are surgically implanted into the affected area to deliver local radiation.
About this Author
Laura Candelaria is a family nurse practitioner and assistant professor of nursing and nutritional science. Her experience includes neonatal and pediatric intensive-care, women’s oncology, gynecology, obstetrics, lactation, nutrition, and infertility. She has been published in “Nursing Spectrum,” “Newsday,” and LIVESTRONG Health.
