Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
سرطان الرحم (بطانة الرحم)
Endometrial cancer begins in the womb’s inner lining and often presents with unusual bleeding or bleeding after menopause. Early evaluation matters. Treatment depends on tumour type, stage and biological characteristics.
What is Endometrial Cancer?
It differs from cervical cancer and uterine muscle sarcoma. A normal cervical screening result does not exclude it. Bleeding may have benign causes, but investigation is needed rather than assuming hormonal change alone.
Related reading: What is the difference between cancer stage and grade?.
Symptoms
Key symptoms include bleeding or spotting after menopause, bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods. Discharge changes or pelvic pain may occur. Even a small amount of postmenopausal spotting should not be ignored.
Causes
Cell changes may be influenced by hormonal, metabolic or inherited factors. Some types are associated with estrogen exposure insufficiently balanced by progesterone. Not every tumour has the same biology or contributing factors.
Risk factors
Factors include older age, obesity, some ovulatory disorders, endometrial hyperplasia, unopposed estrogen with an intact uterus, Lynch syndrome and family history. Tamoxifen carries particular risks, but its benefits and risks should be reviewed with the oncology clinician.
Diagnosis
Evaluation reviews bleeding and includes examination and suitable imaging, with endometrial sampling or hysteroscopy when indicated. Tissue confirms the diagnosis. Staging and tumour characteristics, including selected molecular tests, guide care and possible hereditary assessment.
Treatment
Surgery commonly involves removing the uterus, often the tubes and ovaries, with appropriate lymph-node assessment. Radiation, chemotherapy, immune or hormonal treatment may be used in particular settings. Fertility preservation is limited to carefully selected early cases under specialist supervision and close monitoring.
Complications
Bleeding may cause anaemia, and the tumour can spread. Treatment may affect fertility, hormones and sexual function. Additional therapy and follow-up depend on findings. Psychological support and management of menopausal symptoms can be included in care.
Prevention
Weight management, activity and care for ovulatory or endometrial disorders may reduce some risks. Discuss hormone use with a clinician and never stop tamoxifen yourself. Routine screening is not recommended for every asymptomatic woman; inherited high risk needs a separate plan.
When to see a doctor
Arrange timely assessment for any postmenopausal bleeding or persistent unusual bleeding, even with normal cervical screening. Heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting or breathlessness needs urgent care.