Endometrial Cancer

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is endometrial cancer?

• Endometrial (en-doh-MEE-tree-al) cancer is a tumor that is found in the uterus (womb). Normally, cells divide (split) in a planned way making more cells only when needed. Endometrial cancer happens when the cells grow and divide without control or order, often making too much tissue (tumor). Cancer cells may grow into nearby healthy tissue or they may break away from the tumor. When these cells travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body it is called metastasis.
  
  
• The uterus is a female organ found in the lower stomach. It is the organ that is inside the vagina. The uterus is where babies grow.

What causes endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer may be caused by having too much of a hormone called estrogen in your body. It may also be caused by not having enough of a hormone called progesterone. The following may place you at higher risk for getting endometrial cancer:

• Being over 50 years old.
  
  
• Living in Europe or North America.
  
  
• Having diseases such as breast cancer or diabetes.
  
  
• Having a mother or sister with endometrial, breast or ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Starting your periods early, or if you still having periods after 50 years old.
  
  
• Taking medications for menopause, such as hormones.
  
  
• Having never had any children, or if you had your first child after you were 30 years old.
  
  
• Being overweight.

What are the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer? You may also have no signs and symptoms at all, or you may have unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. Inform your caregiver if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed? You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Endometrial biopsy: Your caregiver may need to remove a piece of tissue from your uterus. The tissue is sent to a lab for tests to see if cancer cells are present. Once cancer cells are found, tests are done to find out what type of cancer it is and how much it has grown.
  
  
• Pap smear: A Pap smear is a test to check for cancer in your cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of your uterus.
  
  
• Transvaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show pictures of the inside of your uterus. For this type of ultrasound, a small tube is placed into your vagina. Pictures of your uterus are taken and seen on a TV-like screen.
  
  
• Dilatation and curettage (D and C): If the biopsy does not get enough tissue, or caregivers suspect that it is cancer, you may need a D and C. During this procedure, the lining of the uterus (womb) is scraped out and sent to the lab for more tests. Ask your caregiver for more information about this procedure.

How is endometrial cancer treated? You may have one or more of the following treatments:

• Chemotherapy:
  
  
  • This medicine, often called chemo, is used to treat cancer. It works by killing tumor cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them. Once the tumor is smaller, you may need surgery to cut out the rest of the cancer.
    
    
  • Many different chemotherapy medicines are used to treat cancer. You may need blood tests often. These blood tests show how your body is doing and how much chemotherapy is needed. Chemotherapy can have many side effects. Caregivers will watch you closely and will work with you to decrease side effects. Chemotherapy can cure some cancers. Even if the chemotherapy does not cure your cancer, it may help you feel better or live longer.
  
  
• Hormone therapy: You may be given a hormone called progesterone if you may want to get pregnant in the future. Your caregiver may suggest that you have a check-up every three months while using this medicine.
  
  
• Radiation: This is a treatment using x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer and keeps the cancer from spreading. It also keeps cancer cells from dividing into new cells, which is one way cancer spreads. Lymph nodes with cancer are also treated with radiation. In some cancers, radiation may be given after surgery to kill cancer cells that were not removed. It may also be given with chemotherapy. Radiation may help decrease pain, control bleeding, and shrink the tumor.
  
  
• Surgery: Your caregiver may look inside your abdomen (stomach) to help stage your cancer, or remove your uterus or ovaries. You may also need to have some lymph nodes taken out. This may help stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.

Where can I find support and information? Accepting that you have endometrial cancer is hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, angry, or sad. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a cancer support group. This is a group of people who also have endometrial cancer. Contact the following for more information:

• American Cancer Society
  Phone: 1-800-227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• Cancer Information Service
  Cancer Information Service
  Phone: 1-800-422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.nci.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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