Pt Health Life – Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects the female reproductive system. However, many women ignore the warning signs of this disease, which is abnormal vaginal bleeding.
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding – the most common sign of endometrial cancer
For women of childbearing age, the lining of the uterus thickens every month to prepare for a fertilized egg to nest there. When a woman is not pregnant, the lining of the uterus will shed, creating menstruation. But if it is not a menstrual period or a postmenopausal woman has abnormal vaginal bleeding , it can be a sign of endometrial cancer .
Endometrial cancer begins in the cells of the endometrium, occurring due to excessive proliferation of endometrial cells. The endometrium becomes thickened, diffuse or localized, forming tumors inside the uterus.
If not treated early, malignant cells tend to invade other surrounding organs or metastasize through the blood and lymph, called invasive cancer or metastatic cancer, which makes treatment very difficult. However, if detected early, the patient has the opportunity to be completely treated and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer. According to doctors at K Hospital, abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs in more than 90% of women with endometrial cancer (a type of cancer that originates from the inner lining of the uterus). Therefore, for the menopausal group, if there is bleeding, no matter how little or much, you should go to the doctor. For premenopausal women, vaginal bleeding that occurs between menstrual cycles, or during intercourse, you should go to the doctor to assess the cause because this is a sign related to dangerous cancer.
If a woman has gone through menopause, any unusual discharge in addition to vaginal bleeding should be examined. Vaginal discharge without blood can also be a sign of endometrial cancer. Even if there is no visible blood in the discharge, it does not mean that cancer is not present. Any unusual discharge should be examined by a doctor.
In addition, endometrial cancer can have other symptoms such as: vaginal discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain …
2. Which age group needs to be alert to endometrial cancer?
Although endometrial cancer typically affects women over age 45, more cases are occurring in premenopausal women , according to the Siteman Cancer Center at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Risk factors for women under 45 include: obesity , diabetes, and a history of polycystic ovary syndrome.
The main symptom of endometrial cancer for premenopausal women is abnormal vaginal bleeding. For postmenopausal women, symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Difficult or painful urination.
- Enlarged uterus (discovered during pelvic examination).
- Pain during intercourse.
- Weakness or pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs…
There is no screening test for endometrial cancer and symptoms can be vague. Therefore, being able to identify diagnostic symptoms such as vaginal bleeding is important, especially in postmenopausal women.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all postmenopausal women be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women at high risk for endometrial cancer should see a specialist immediately if they have any signs of abnormal vaginal bleeding. The earlier endometrial cancer is detected, the more effective treatment is.
