Endometrial Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Endometrial cancer
starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The endometrium is the inner layer and is the layer shed during a normal period.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Bleeding after menopause or between periods
- Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- A bloated or distended abdomen
Call 911 for any of the following:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have vaginal bleeding when it is not time for your period.
- Your bowel movements are bloody or black.
- You see blood in your urine.
Contact your oncologist if:
- Your abdomen or legs are swollen.
- You have no appetite or have lost weight without trying.
- You have back, pelvic, hip, or abdominal pain.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for endometrial cancer
may include any of the following:
- Hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. Your fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed. Healthcare providers may also remove nearby lymph nodes.
- Hormone therapy may be used to block estrogen or slow the growth of endometrial cancer.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading.
- Chemotherapy medicine is used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them.
- Ablation is a procedure to destroy the endometrium. You may need ablation if you have heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage your endometrial cancer:
- Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk for new or returning cancer. Smoking can also delay healing after treatment. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. If you have nausea or diarrhea from cancer treatment, extra liquids may help decrease your risk for dehydration.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Foods may taste different during cancer treatment. You may not feel like eating, and you may lose weight. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours.
- Exercise as directed. Ask about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise may improve your energy levels and appetite.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol as directed. Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
You will need to see your oncologist for ongoing treatments or tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Endometrial Cancer
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
