Endometrial cancer, also called uterine cancer, is the abnormal
growth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The cause of
endometrial cancer is not known; however, exposure over many years to the
hormone estrogen without enough of the hormone progestin to balance it
(unopposed estrogen) is associated with the development of endometrial
cancer.
Long-term unopposed estrogen exposure can be caused by:
- Beginning menstruation before age
12.
- Starting menopause later than age 55.
- Long
menstruation span (from first period to menopause).
- Never having
been pregnant or completed a full-term pregnancy.
- Never having
breast-fed.
- Using estrogen replacement therapy without the addition
of the hormone progestin.
- Obesity. Fat cells produce estrogen. Obese women have many fat
cells, which increases the rate of estrogen production.
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include heavy or unusual vaginal
bleeding, especially after menopause but also near the time that menopause
begins.
Endometrial cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the
uterus (hysterectomy). It may also be treated with radiation therapy, hormone
therapy, and chemotherapy.
