Endometrial Cancer

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER: It is a cancer that arises from the endometrium, hence its an adenocarcinoma It is a gynecological malignancy associated with low mortality rate and approximately 75% survival rate. Common in women aged between 50 and 70 years ENDOMETRIAL CANCER: Predisposing factors 1. Hyperestrogenism – this occurs with; • Obesity – this increases endogenous estrogen production • Early menarche • Late menopause • Anovulation • Nulliparous • Estrogen replacement therapy • Polycystic ovarian syndrome ENDOMETRIAL CANCER: Predisposing factors cont’ 2. Chronic medical conditions such as • Hypertension • Diabetes • Gallbladder disease 3. Infertility 4. Previous history of other reproductive cancers such as ca cervix, ovarian cancer and breast cancer 5. Exposure to radiations especially pelvic radiotherapy 6. Family history especially in the first and second line relatives ENDOMETRIAL CANCER: Pathophysiology • The cancer arises from the endometrial lining mainly in the uterine glands hence adenocarcinoma • Initially there is hyperplasia of the cells which gradually progresses to carcinoma (malignant changes) • It is a slow growing cancer and usually spreads slowly in the late stages of the disease. This gives it a better prognosis especially if diagnosed early It spreads:- By local infiltration to the adjacent structures namely other parts of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and regional lymph nodes By distant metastasis through lymphatic and circulatory spread to the lungs, liver, bone, brain etc Hyperplasia and invasion produces the clinical features