Unfortunately, in the last few decades, the number of women who develop cancerous tumors has increased significantly. One of the most common types is uterine endometrial cancer. Why is he dangerous? Development stages, treatment and chances of recovery will be discussed next.
Problem description
Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs as a result of the growth of cancer cells in the uterine cavity. Most often, this pathology affects women after 45 years. This type of cancer responds well to treatment, especially if its symptoms were detected at an early stage of development.
Reasons for appearance
Today, official medicine does not have accurate data on the causes of cancerous tumors. However, there are a number of factors conducive to the appearance of neoplasms:
- diseases of the reproductive system, including inflammation, that a woman faces throughout her life;
- irregular menstrual cycle;
- use of drugs that contain the hormone estrogen;
- genetic predisposition (for example, if there were women in the family with cancer, then their relatives are at risk);
- promiscuity, which can also lead to STDs;
- prolonged sexual abstinence;
- late pregnancy (after 30);
- abortions and other gynecological operations that involve curettage of the uterine cavity, as such interventions thin and damage the endometrium, thereby provoking malignant processes;
- early menopause (under 50);
- early onset of menstruation (before 12 years old);
- having a history of diabetes;
- overweight;
- diseases of the immune system;
- lack or untimely treatment of gynecological diseases.
In addition, doctors note that women who do not have children, as well as those with hyperplasia, a disease that is not a malignant tumor, but provokes the growth of endometrial cells, are at risk.
Varieties of pathology
There are two main types of uterine endometrial cancer:
- The hormone-dependent form occurs in 70% of all cases of the disease. Neoplasms can occur at the level of elevated estrogen hormone. As a rule, hyperplasia may occur before this. Hormonal failure can also develop with inflammatory diseases of the ovaries, as well as with a history ofother types of cancer, most commonly in the breast.
- Autonomous endometrial cancer develops in the case of diseases of the endocrine system that disrupt its functions. This type of pathology is most susceptible to women after 60 years of age with atrophy of endometrial tissues or suppression of the immune system. Autonomous cancer is not amenable to treatment with hormonal drugs; removal of the internal genital organs is most often indicated, since the risk of metastasis to other organs is high.
Depending on the type of cancer, the correct treatment is selected.
Manifestations of disease
The symptoms of endometrial cancer develop gradually, depending on the stage of the disease. Also, their intensity depends on the presence or absence of concomitant pathologies of the genitourinary system. Unfortunately, in the initial stages, the symptoms and signs of uterine endometrial cancer are not specific, as a result of which a woman may not attach much importance to them. This is the insidiousness of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease include the following manifestations:
- atypical menstruation (too scanty or heavy, longer or shorter than usual, no period);
- pain in the lower abdomen that occurs for no apparent reason;
- problems with urination (their soreness, blood clots, difficulty);
- stool disorders (constipation or indigestion);
- vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling and atypicalcolor.
In the later stages, the pain syndrome may increase with weight lifting, intimate life, during menstruation. The general condition is also gradually deteriorating - appetite disappears, a painful skin tone appears, the woman is rapidly losing weight, chronic bloating, constipation, weakness, drowsiness and a tendency to overwork even with slight exertion.
Stages of disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually. Each stage of endometrial cancer has its own characteristics and characteristics:
- At the 1st stage, there are no clinical symptoms that could identify the presence of a tumor. The neoplasm itself is small and does not extend beyond the uterine cavity. In addition, failures of the monthly cycle are noted, and in most cases a woman loses the ability to become pregnant.
- Stage 2 is characterized by tumor growth outside the uterus and damage to the mucous membrane of the neck of the organ. A woman may experience such symptoms of uterine endometrial cancer as spotting during sexual intercourse, an unreasonable deterioration in general well-being, pain in the lower abdomen, and loss of appetite. In most cases, these manifestations are minor, so a woman may not pay attention to them. A gynecologist can detect a tumor during a routine examination.
- In stage 3, the symptoms and signs of endometrial cancer are much more noticeable. During this period, the tumor can spread to the organs in the abdominal cavity - the ovaries, fallopian tubes. On theAt this stage of the disease, there may be small foci of metastasis in nearby organs and bone tissue.
- At the 4th stage of endometrial cancer of the uterus, the neoplasm affects the pelvic organs - the rectum, bladder, vagina, urinary tract. Cancer cells spread throughout the body, so metastases can appear in any internal organ. Signs of endometrial cancer at the last stage are pronounced and significantly impede the normal life of a woman.
Survival directly depends on the stage of the disease at which therapy was started. So, for example, at stages 1 or 2 of cancer, the prognosis is much more favorable than at stages 3 and 4 of damage to the body.
Spread of cancer
At the 3rd stage of the development of the disease, metastases begin to appear in neighboring organs. This can happen in several ways:
- The lymphogenic pathway involves the spread of cancer cells through the lymph nodes. At the same time, they significantly increase in size and become painful when touched.
- The hematogenous pathway is noted when cancer cells enter the bloodstream and spread with it throughout the body. At the same time, pathogenic cells can settle in absolutely any organ or bone tissue and begin their reproduction.
- Implantation metastasis involves the growth of a neoplasm into nearby organs, as well as bone and adipose tissue.
Unfortunately, those stages of cancer that are characterized by the presence of metastases inother organs, cannot be cured. Therapy in such cases is aimed at reducing the pain syndrome, as well as slowing down the division of cancer cells and the spread of metastases in he althy organs.
Factors contributing to metastasis
The risk of cancer cells spreading to other organs depends not only on the stage of the disease, but also on such moments:
- localization of neoplasm in the organ;
- woman's age (the older the patient, the higher the likelihood of metastases);
- degree of neoplasm differentiation (composition of a tumor from different cells that have a higher or lower rate of reproduction).
These and other factors that may affect cancer treatment are being investigated in clinical trials.
Diagnosis of disease
It is very important not to neglect regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist, since only a competent specialist can detect cancer in the initial stages of the disease. Diagnosis of endometrial cancer involves the following activities:
- Medical survey in which the patient must describe in detail the complaints and report the duration of unpleasant symptoms, if any. In addition, it is important to give the doctor detailed information about the menstrual cycle - its regularity, pain, abundance, duration.
- Analysis of the patient's gynecological record provides information about previous gynecological diseases, childbirth and other factors that could affect the occurrence of the tumor.
- Gynecologicalexamination on a chair with palpation of the external and internal genital organs and, in particular, the cervix.
- Transvaginal ultrasound helps to identify a neoplasm, assess its condition and size, as well as its location.
- Biopsy for a detailed examination of the tissues of the uterus. It is taken with the help of an aspirator, which is inserted into the uterine cavity and sucks part of the endometrium of the organ.
- Hysteroscopy - an internal examination of the state of the uterus using a hysteroscope - an apparatus in the form of a rigid or soft tube with a lens system and a lighting device at the end. The device is inserted into the uterine cavity, which allows the doctor to examine the organ in detail from the inside. This device also allows you to take part of the affected endometrium for further research.
- Fluorescent study makes it possible to detect a neoplasm in the early stages. To do this, a fluorescent solution is injected into the uterine cavity. Cancer cells actively absorb it and become visible to the doctor.
- Computer or magnetic resonance imaging, as well as X-rays are prescribed in case of suspicion of metastasis to other internal organs.
In addition, women with suspected endometrial cancer of the uterus are required to have blood or urine tests for tumor markers.
Uterine Cancer Therapy
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, different treatment is prescribed. Complex methods are often used:
- Surgical intervention that involves the removal of the uterus. In some cases, the bodyremoved along with the appendages and lymph nodes, if they are affected by cancerous changes. To date, for the treatment of endometrial cancer at an early stage, laparoscopy is used, which is less traumatic. However, with a large area of organ damage, an abdominal operation is necessary, which is performed by dissecting the abdominal cavity.
- Radiotherapy involves the effect of ionizing radiation on the area of the spread of cancer. It is often used in conjunction with surgery. If removal is not expected for any reason, then it is possible to use brachytherapy - implanting a radiation source into the tumor. This minimizes exposure to other organs.
- Chemotherapy is considered the most common treatment for cancer of any kind. It is used in cases of widespread cancer. The most commonly used drug complex of substances such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide. Unfortunately, this technique has many side effects: alopecia (baldness), osteoporosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Hormone therapy is indicated when progesterone hormone receptors are found in the tumor. Such treatment is selected individually by an oncologist. Its advantage is the absence of side effects. However, if the tumor does not respond to hormones, then such treatment is ineffective.
Signs of uterine endometrial cancer can significantly impair the quality of life, if not shorten it. That is why it is importantstart treatment at the initial stage, when the disease is most susceptible to a complete cure.
Forecast
The chances of a complete cure for cancer completely depend on the stage of the disease, as well as on the correctly prescribed treatment complex. The survival rate for a highly differentiated tumor (developed cells that do not tend to grow too fast) is about 95%, and for a poorly differentiated tumor (underdeveloped stem cells that divide very quickly) is only 18%. The type of neoplasm is determined at the diagnostic stage.
Unfortunately, at stage 4 cancer, the survival rate is extremely low, and all treatment comes down to maintaining the patient's condition, reducing the symptoms of endometrial cancer, as well as slowing down the division of cancer cells and metastasis to other internal organs.
Within three years after the end of treatment, all patients, without exception, must undergo a complete diagnosis twice a year, which includes a gynecological examination, ultrasound diagnosis, x-rays, urine and blood tests. This is necessary to exclude the recurrence of the disease or its timely detection.
Prevention of pathology
Unfortunately, today there are no methods that could completely exclude the possibility of the formation of malignant tumors. However, there are factors that can minimize their occurrence:
- Weight control and prevention of overweight.
- Removing bad habits such assmoking and drinking alcohol.
- Regular treatment of chronic diseases and prevention of their progression.
- Timely therapy for gynecological problems.
Secondary prevention includes the early detection of malignant tumors and the choice of the right therapy.
