Endometrial Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the uterus that begins in the endometrium, which is the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus. It typically occurs between the ages of sixty and seventy years, and is linked with increased levels of estrogen. High levels of estrogen stimulate increased endometrial growth in the uterus. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer are as follows:

• Vaginal bleeding and/or spotting in postmenopausal women
• Bleeding between periods in premenopausal women
• After age forty, extremely long, heavy and painful periods
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic cramping
• Pain during intercourse
• A thin, bloody, watery discharge from the vagina

Endometrial cancer is highly curable, if found in its early stages. Risk factors include estrogen replacement therapy without the use of progesterone, diabetes, infertility, never being pregnant, starting menstruation before age twelve, beginning menopause after age fifty, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, colon cancer, breast cancer, and the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen.

Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

A diagnosis of endometrial cancer starts with a pelvic exam. If abnormalities in the uterus are suspected, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound. Other tests to confirm a diagnosis of endometrial cancer may include a special scope to examine the lining of the uterus, and an endometrial biopsy.

Books for People With Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about endometrial cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research, and statistics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/endometrial/

• American Cancer Society

If you (or a loved one) are worried about developing endometrial cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment, the Detailed Guide or Overview can help you find the answers you need.

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrialcancer/index

• WD

Endometrial Cancer information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/e/endometrial_cancer/intro.htm

• Family Doctor . org

Learn about the risks, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/cancer/types/021.html

• Cancer Compass

Our cancer forum at CancerCompass.com a helpful source of information for endometrial cancer patients.  Join today to research treatment methods, find additional resources and more.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/gynecological-cancers/endometrial-cancer/1,0,119,38,72.htm

• About . com

Learn more about endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus.

http://cancer.about.com/od/endometrialcancer/a/endometriel.htm

• MD Junction

Endometrial Cancer Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Endometrial Cancer.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/endometrial-cancer-discussions

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers signs and symptoms, diagnosis, staging and treatment.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometrial-cancer/DS00306

• Web MD

This topic provides information about the initial testing, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer of the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/endometrial-cancer-topic-overview

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, risk factors, incidence, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001908/