Endometrial Cancer Flashcards
What is Endometrial cancer?
Cancer of lining of uterus
What type of cancer is Endometrial cancer usually?
Adenocarcinoma (80%)
Endometrial cancer is an WHAT-dependant cancer? What does this mean?
Oestrogen-dependant cancer
Oestrogen stimulates the growth of endometrial cancer cells
What is the precursor precancerous condition to Endometrial condition?
Endometrial hyperplasia
What percentage of Endometrial hyperplasia goes on to become Endometrial cancer?
5%
What are the 2 types of Endometrial hyperplasia?
- Hyperplasia without atypia
- Atypical hyperplasia (more likely to progress to cancer)
What is the Tx for Endometrial hyperplasia? (2 things)
Progestogens:
- Intrauterine system (e.g Mirena coil)
- Continuous oral progestogens (e.g levonorgestrel)
What is the cause of Endometrial cancer?
Exposure to Unopposed oestrogen (aka oestrogen without progesterone)
What are the RF for Endometrial cancer? (7 things)
- Age
- Early menarche / Late menopause
- Oestrogen only HRT
- Nuliparity
- Obesity
- PCOS
- Tamoxifen
How does PCOS increase risk of Endometrial cancer?
Usually: Ovulation –> Corpus luteum formed –> CL produces Progesterone (which opposes oestrogen)
In PCOS: Anovulation = so all this doesn’t happen
How do you protect the Endometrium in women with PCOS? (3 things)
- COCP
- Intrauterine system (e.g Mirena coil)
- Cyclical progestogens (to induce a withdrawal bleed)
Why is Obesity a RF for Endometrial cancer?
Adipose tissue (fat) = source of oestrogen
How does Adipose tissue increase Oestrogen in body? (2 things)
- Adipose tissue contains Aromatase
- Aromatase converts androgens (aka testosterone) –> Oestrogen
Why is Tamoxifen a RF for Endometrial cancer?
Has oestrogenic effect on Endometrial (while has anti-oestrogenic effect on breast tissue)
What are the Protective Factors vs Endometrial Cancer? (4 things)
- COCP
- Mirena coil
- Increased pregnancies
- Smoking