Endometrial cancer, or endometrial cancer, is the most common uterine cancer.
Its incidence has increased over the last two decades and ranks fourth among malignant neoplasms in the female population, being the second most common pelvic tumor among Brazilian women.
Prevention
Prevention of this type of tumor includes: combating obesity, treating anovulatory cycles; adequate hormone replacement therapy during menopause; periodic evaluation of asymptomatic high-risk patients; transvaginal ultrasound in menopause and detection of precursor lesions in women with abnormal uterine bleeding.
Risk factors
The following are considered risk factors: late menopause (over 52 years); obesity; chronic anovulation, the use of hormone replacement with estrogens without the opposition of progestins; the white race, a high socioeconomic level; a high-fat diet; the use of tamoxifen; diabetes; family or personal history of endometrial, breast, ovarian or colon cancer.
Symptoms
The most classic symptom of this tumor is abnormal uterine bleeding, especially after menopause.
The investigation to discover the tumor is carried out through transvaginal ultrasound, which can demonstrate the thickened endometrium leading to a biopsy of the same.
All methods that allow taking a sample of the endometrium generally seal the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. These tests, in general, are: endometrial biopsy (performed in the office), uterine curettage with dilation of the cervix (performed with anesthesia) and hysteroscopy with targeted biopsy (can be performed with or without anesthesia, depending on each case) .
Patients with bleeding after menopause should have their endometrium examined most of the time.
Treatment is surgical and includes removal of the uterus and ovaries. In some cases, pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed.
Patients with surgical contraindications are treated with radiotherapy. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy and progestogen therapy are used.
