Endometrial Cancer Flashcards
How common is endometrial cancer, relative to other cancers?
5th most common cancer in women in the UK
Who does endometrial cancer largely affect?
Post-menopausal women, particularly those aged 60-79 years
What % of female cancers are endometrial cancer?
5%
What is the most common cancer of the uterus?
Endometrial cancer
What type of cancers are the majority of endometrial cancers?
Afrnocarcinomas
What are the different types of endometrial adenocarcinoma?
Endometrioid
Papillary serous
Clear cell
What is the most common type of endometrial adenocarcinoma?
Endometrioid
What is a rarer form of endometrial cancer?
Carcinosarcoma of the uterus
How does carcinosarcoma of the uterus differ from endometrial adenocarcinoma?
It behaves in a more aggressive manner
What hormonal factors are associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer?
A high level of oestrogen unopposed by progesterone
What is the result of a high level of unopposed oestrogen increasing the risk of endometrial cancer?
Factors that result in excess oestrogen or low progesterone increase a woman’s risk of endometrial cancer
What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer?
- Hormonal factors
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Lynch type II syndrome
- Endometrial hyperplasia with atypia
Is endometrial hyperplasia with atypia a benign or malignant condition?
Benign
What factors are protective against endometrial cancer?
- History of pregnancy
- COCP use
Does endometrial cancer tend to present early or late?
Early
What are the early symptoms of endometrial cancer?
Inter-menstrual or post-menopausal bleeding, or recent-onset menorrhagia
Which women with post-menopausal bleeding should be investigated for endometrial cancer?
All over 45
What are some less common symptoms of endometrial cancer?
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Vaginal discharge
- Dyspareunia
Can bimanual palpation and speculum examination be normal in early endometrial cancer?
Yes
What symptoms might advanced endometrial cancer cause?
- Urinary frequency
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Back pain
- Constipation
How does spread of endometrial cancer usually occur?
Directly through the myometrium to the cervix and vagina
How do metastases occur in endometrial cancer?
- Lymphatic system
- Haematogenous spread
When does haematogenous spread occur in endometrial cancer?
Usually late
What is the result of haematogenous spread occurring late in endometrial cancer?
Widespread metastasis at presentation is unusual