How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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In the clinical setting, when endometrial cancer is suspected, further pathological examination is required. Generally, endometrial tissue can be obtained through fractional curettage or hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy. The acquired endometrium is then subject to a pathological examination, observing the morphology of the endometrial cells under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected, a diagnosis of endometrial cancer can be made. Therefore, the confirmation of endometrial cancer in clinical practice must be based on pathological examination.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

Endometrial cancer often manifests as vaginal bleeding after menopause, and in women who have not experienced menopause, it often presents as menstrual irregularities. The diagnostic methods for endometrial cancer include the following: 1. Fractional curettage is the most important method for diagnosing endometrial cancer. First, scrape the cervical canal, then sequentially scrape the endometrial tissue from each part of the uterine body, label the specimens separately, and send them for pathological examination together. 2. Cytological examination is a method for screening for endometrial cancer. A specially made uterine cavity suction tube or brush is inserted into the uterine cavity to collect secretions for cytological culture. 3. Hysteroscopic examination allows direct observation of the growth of endometrial lesions and can also obtain live tissue for pathological examination. It involves pelvic ultrasound examination to understand the size of the lesion, surrounding infiltration, etc. 5. Other methods, such as lymphangiography, CT, MRI, and serum CA125 testing.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometrial hyperplasia the same as cancer?

Endometrial hyperplasia is not cancer; it is caused by a prolonged absence of ovulation, which means there is no secretion of progesterone. This prevents the proliferative phase endometrium from transforming into the secretory phase, leading to hyperplasia. If the hyperplasia persists over an extended period, it may lead to precancerous changes in the endometrium, and in severe cases, it can cause endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is essential to treat endometrial hyperplasia with progesterone, which can transform the endometrium and allow it to shed completely, altering its condition and restoring it to normal. As long as there is ovulation, there is the production of progesterone, so promoting ovulation is crucial.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can endometrial cancer patients become pregnant?

After the occurrence of endometrial cancer, it is not possible to become pregnant. This is because, after pregnancy, a woman's immunity decreases, and her resistance to illness declines. This will affect the woman's health and may exacerbate the condition of endometrial cancer. Additionally, women with endometrial cancer, even if they become pregnant, may experience miscarriages as the embryo cannot develop normally, and even many harmful symptoms might occur, affecting the woman's health. Therefore, women with endometrial cancer should take contraceptive measures to prevent unintended pregnancies.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometrial tofu dregs-like a sign of endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer usually manifests in five main aspects. First, irregular vaginal bleeding, which is typically light but can be moderate in some patients. If the patient is postmenopausal, the bleeding often appears as either continuous or intermittent. Second, menstrual disorders, which are a common symptom of endometrial cancer as it is a malignant tumor occurring in the endometrium and significantly affects menstruation. Third, vaginal discharge, where some patients may experience a discharge of thin, white secretions, or a very small amount of bloody discharge in the early stages of the disease. Fourth, pain; once a patient develops endometrial cancer, the tumor may cause bleeding and possibly lead to infection. Fifth, abdominal masses, which can occur if there is a combination of large uterine fibroids or in advanced stages, potentially leading to the formation of large masses in the pelvic cavity due to the spread of a uterine cavity abscess.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is surgery necessary for endometrial cancer?

For endometrial cancer, surgery is generally recommended as the first choice, because early-stage endometrial cancer can largely be cured through surgical treatment. Besides surgery, other options include medication, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which are used for mid to late stages or in conjunction with surgery in early stages. When treating endometrial cancer, the treatment method should be chosen based on the specific condition and stage of the patient. In early-stage endometrial cancer, surgery is the preferred treatment. Therefore, aside from surgical treatment, patients should choose medication, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy based on their specific conditions.