Women with non-menstrual bleeding should be alert to endometrial cancer and seek medical attention in time

Endometrial cancer, as the name implies, is a cancer that grows from the endometrium. Since it is called "membrane", it means that it is membrane-like, not a tumor, so it is difficult to use B-ultrasound to show whether there is a tumor or a few centimeters of endometrial cancer. Its behavior is like weeds in the park, growing and spreading on the surface. Unless it is very serious, it generally does not invade the deep muscle layer, that is, early endometrial cancer will not penetrate into the muscle layer like the roots of a big tree. Therefore, as long as it can be diagnosed early, endometrial cancer can be treated early.

What are the common symptoms of endometrial cancer?

Typical clinical symptoms are vaginal bleeding after menopause, or increased watery or bloody discharge. In late stage complicated by necrotizing infection, foul-smelling purulent discharge may occur. Those who have not yet reached menopause may have excessive menstruation or irregular bleeding.

Does postmenopausal vaginal bleeding necessarily mean endometrial cancer?

For postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, you need to be highly vigilant about endometrial cancer, but not all postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is endometrial cancer. Many elderly vaginitis can also manifest as a small amount of bloody vaginal discharge after menopause.

Can endometrial cancer metastasize?

Endometrial cancer usually grows slowly and is confined to the endometrium or uterine cavity for a long time. Its main metastatic pathways are direct spread and lymphatic metastasis. Early metastasis to nearby organs such as fallopian tubes and ovaries is common, and late metastasis may occur through blood, such as metastasis to the lungs, liver, bones, etc.

How does endometrial cancer occur?

The cause of endometrial cancer is still unclear. It is generally believed that endometrial cancer can be divided into estrogen-dependent (type I) and non-estrogen-dependent (type II) types according to the pathogenesis and biological behavior characteristics. The estrogen-dependent type may occur under the long-term action of estrogen without progesterone antagonism, resulting in endometrial hyperplasia (simple or complex type, with or without atypical hyperplasia) and even cancer. The other is the non-estrogen-dependent type, which has no clear relationship with estrogen.

Who is prone to endometrial cancer?

The high-risk groups for endometrial cancer are people with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, women who have never given birth, young women without ovulation, and women with ovarian tumors that secrete estrogen. Anyone who has long-term exposure to foods or drugs with high estrogen content and has these related factors should be the subject of close monitoring and screening.

Will estrogen replacement therapy for menopausal women induce endometrial cancer?

Whether estrogen replacement therapy increases the incidence of endometrial cancer has been controversial, but most experts believe that it is generally safe if the smallest possible dose is used, progestin is used in combination, and the duration of use is long enough (about 10 days).

After getting endometrial cancer, will it be passed on to the next generation?

About 20% of endometrial cancer patients have a family history. However, this does not mean that endometrial cancer is a hereditary disease, but the risk of endometrial cancer in the next generation may increase. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and actively prevent it.

How to prevent endometrial cancer?

Because the cause of endometrial cancer is still unclear and its occurrence cannot be prevented at present, the focus should be on early detection and early treatment.

1. Check the endometrium in time

For postmenopausal bleeding and menopausal menstrual disorders, the possibility of endometrial cancer should be excluded. For young women whose menstrual disorders are not effectively treated, B-ultrasound examination and endometrial examination should be performed in time. Pay attention to the precancerous lesions of endometrial cancer. For those who have been confirmed to have precancerous lesions such as atypical endometrial hyperplasia, total hysterectomy should be performed according to the patient's condition. Those who want to have children should be given high-dose progesterone treatment in time and monitor the changes in their condition.

2. Rational use of hormone replacement therapy

Strictly grasp the indications of hormone replacement therapy and use it reasonably, and it should be used with caution for menopausal and postmenopausal women. For women with a uterus, it is appropriate to use progesterone appropriately while using estrogen to protect the endometrium, and monitor closely.

3. Change your lifestyle

Eat in moderation, increase exercise, and reduce the incidence of endometrial cancer by controlling the occurrence of "rich diseases" such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.