Endometrial adenocarcinoma is a common form of gynecologic cancer that primarily affects the endometrium, the lining of the uterine walls. This cancer occurs most often in postmenopausal women, although it can affect any woman of reproductive age. The exact causes of endometrial adenocarcinoma are not well understood, but doctors believe that high estrogen levels, high blood pressure, and obesity are significant risk factors. If the cancer is not found and treated, it can quickly spread to other parts of the reproductive system. Surgery is usually effective in removing cancerous tissue and preventing further medical complications.
Estrogen regulates the growth and health of endometrial tissue in women. An abnormally high level of estrogen can cause cells to become cancerous and proliferate throughout the endometrial tissue. Risk factors for increased hormone levels and endometrial adenocarcinoma include a family history of reproductive cancers, obesity, diabetes, and hormone therapy treatments for other conditions. Women who have had other forms of cancer, especially breast, ovarian, or lung cancer, are at increased risk of developing endometrial adenocarcinoma.
A postmenopausal woman with endometrial cancer typically experiences abnormal vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and frequent cramping. Women who have not yet experienced menopause may have irregular periods accompanied by excessive bleeding. Adenocarcinoma can also cause milky vaginal discharge in women of any age. As the cancer progresses, a woman may experience fatigue, weakness, and nausea. A person experiencing any potential symptoms of endometrial adenocarcinoma should make an appointment with a gynecologist immediately.
A gynecologist can perform a series of tests to check for endometrial adenocarcinoma. A common diagnostic procedure known as a Pap smear or Pap smear involves collecting small samples of surface endometrial cells for laboratory analysis. Specialists check the samples for signs of adenocarcinoma and other common gynecological problems. If the Pap test results point to cancer, the gynecologist will usually perform an ultrasound or collect a larger sample of tissue to determine the severity of the endometrial adenocarcinoma.
Treatment for endometrial adenocarcinoma usually involves surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are rarely used because they are generally less effective at killing this type of cancer. If the adenocarcinoma is in its early stages, a surgeon can usually remove only the affected area of endometrial tissue. More severe or widespread cancer may require removal of the entire uterus in a procedure known as hysterectomy . After surgery, most patients are encouraged to make regular appointments with their gynecologists to ensure that all cancerous tissue has been removed.