Basic knowledge about endometrial cancer

The uterus is a very fragile organ in our human body, so many diseases always come quietly and have greater or lesser impacts on the uterus of female friends. One of the more common diseases is called endometrial cancer, which is different from uterine fibroids because it is a malignant tumor. Let me take you to learn more about this disease.

What is Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a group of epithelial malignant tumors that occur in the endometrium. It is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract, with adenocarcinoma originating from the endometrial glands being the most common.

The incidence of endometrial cancer accounts for 7% of all female malignant tumors and 30% of female reproductive tract malignant tumors. Endometrial cancer is divided into two types: estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent, with the former being more common.

Causes of Endometrial Cancer

The cause of endometrial cancer is still unclear, but it is generally believed that there are two possible mechanisms of pathogenesis:

1. Estrogen-dependent type: Under the long-term action of estrogen without progesterone antagonism, endometrial hyperplasia and even cancer occur. Clinically, it is common in anovulatory diseases, estrogen-secreting tumors, postmenopausal women who take estrogen for a long time, and women who take tamoxifen for a long time. This type accounts for the majority of endometrial cancers, all of which are endometrial adenocarcinomas. The tumors are well differentiated, the positive rate of estrogen and progesterone receptors is high, and the prognosis is good. Patients are relatively young and often accompanied by obesity, hypertension, diabetes, infertility or sterility, and delayed menopause. About 20% of endometrial cancer patients have a family history.

2. Non-estrogen dependent type: There is no clear relationship between the onset and estrogen. The pathological morphology of this type of endometrial cancer is rare, such as endometrial serous papillary carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, etc. It is more common in elderly thin women. The atrophic endometrium may be around the cancer. The tumor is highly malignant and poorly differentiated. Estrogen and progesterone receptors are mostly negative, and the prognosis is poor.

For the health of our female friends, you have reason to have the above knowledge, because once you understand the basic knowledge, you will definitely understand the corresponding solutions. More importantly, you will develop a good habit of regular gynecological examinations to better protect yourself and give your family and yourself more peace of mind.