Are uterine cancer and endometrial cancer the same?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Uterine cancer is divided into cervical cancer and endometrial cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelium and glandular tissue of the cervix, while endometrial cancer is a group of epithelial malignant tumors that occur in the endometrium. The two types of cancer differ due to their different sites of origin. Accordingly, the examination and treatment methods adopted are also not completely the same based on the different sites of origin. However, both cervical and endometrial cancers are primarily treated with surgery, followed by corresponding radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are uterine cancer and endometrial cancer the same?

Uterine cancer is divided into cervical cancer and endometrial cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelium and glandular tissue of the cervix, while endometrial cancer is a group of epithelial malignant tumors that occur in the endometrium. The two types of cancer differ due to their different sites of origin. Accordingly, the examination and treatment methods adopted are also not completely the same based on the different sites of origin. However, both cervical and endometrial cancers are primarily treated with surgery, followed by corresponding radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Endometrial Cancer

Patients with endometrial cancer generally have factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity that induce the condition. They are more prone to developing endometrial cancer. Furthermore, endometrial cancer is divided into hormone-dependent and non-hormone-dependent types. Hormone-dependent endometrial cancer occurs when there is an excess of estrogen produced in the body without sufficient counteraction by progesterone, leading to excessive growth and proliferation of the endometrial lining. When this growth becomes uncontrolled, it can lead to cancer. Non-hormone-dependent endometrial cancer is not caused by hormonal factors and its development is more complex. Additionally, the pathology type of non-hormone-dependent endometrial cancer is also quite unique.

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

Endometrial hyperplasia is not cancer; the normal endometrial lining is in a proliferative state. Endometrial hyperplasia occurs due to a lack of secretion of progesterone. If it continues to develop, it can progress to atypical endometrial hyperplasia, which is a precancerous condition of the endometrium. If not treated in time, it could develop into endometrial cancer. Thus, active treatment of endometrial hyperplasia is necessary. Large doses of progesterone can be used to promote the transformation of the endometrial lining. Once the endometrium transforms into the secretory phase, it indicates that the endometrial hyperplasia has been effectively treated and can prevent the progression to endometrial cancer.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometrial cancer detected?

When women experience irregular vaginal bleeding, or vaginal bleeding reoccurs after menopause, and uterine endometrial cancer is suspected, the first step is to conduct a routine gynecological examination to identify whether the bleeding originates from the uterine cavity or the cervix. Additionally, an ultrasound examination can be conducted to observe the condition inside the uterine cavity, the thickness of the endometrium, whether the thickness is uniform, and whether there are any abnormal growths, to understand whether the woman might have uterine endometrial cancer. However, these methods usually cannot provide a diagnosis and only serve to assess or suggest the possibility of endometrial cancer. For a definitive diagnosis, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage can be performed, and the results of the pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis.

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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.