Endometrial cancer: fundamentals and advanced disease
Endometrial cancer: fundamentals and advanced disease
This chapter focuses on endometrial cancer, the number one common gynaecological cancer in the United States and the second most common in the United Kingdom. Cancer of the uterus is predominantly a disease of the developed world and afflicts most of its sufferers in their menopausal stage. It presents as vaginal bleeding accompanied by vaginal discharge. Women who have unopposed oestrogen therapy, obesity, hypertension, nulliparity, diabetes mellitus, and endometrial hyperplasia are at a great risk of developing endometrial cancer. The diagnosis of this cancer is obtained through small catheter aspiration of the endometrial cavity and, if necessary, formal dilatation and curettage are performed. Once diagnosed, examinations such as a chest X-ray, mammogram, and CT scan of the pelvis and the abdomen are performed. Surgery of a staging procedure and extirpation of the gynaecologi organ are performed, followed by post-operative radiotherapy to avoid recurrence and relapse. For those whose cancer has metastasized, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are usually administered.
Keywords: endometrial cancer, gynaecological cancer, uterus, menopausal stage, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, catheter aspiration, endometrial cavity, formal dilatation
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