Are uterine polyps and endometrial cancer the same?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer are different. First, both can be induced by hormonal imbalances in the body, but endometrial polyps may also involve inflammatory elements, leading to the formation of polyps. Additionally, the age of onset differs; endometrial polyps are more common in women of reproductive age, whereas endometrial cancer typically occurs after the age of 45. Furthermore, their clinical manifestations vary. Women with endometrial polyps mainly experience changes in menstrual cycles and infertility, and generally, endometrial polyps grow slowly. In contrast, women with endometrial cancer mainly experience abdominal pain, heavy vaginal discharge, or bleeding. In advanced stages, women may exhibit signs of cachexia. These two conditions can be differentiated through diagnostic curettage.

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What should not be eaten with endometrial cancer?

When suffering from endometrial cancer, it's important to pay attention to your diet. Avoid eating foods that cause flare-ups, such as seafood, lamb, dog meat, oysters, and other sea products. Additionally, refrain from consuming high-fat, high-cholesterol foods like fatty meats, cream, and animal fats. Also, avoid eating foods that contain estrogen, such as longan, durian, red dates, and honey. It is also advisable to avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers, and other stimulants like pepper powder and white liquor, as these can affect the body's immunity and exacerbate the condition.

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How to perform surgery for endometrial cancer

Surgical treatment for endometrial cancer needs to be determined based on the specific stage and type of the cancer, as well as the size of the lesions. If the lesions are small and the cancer is in an early stage, a complete hysterectomy including the removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries can be performed. Intraoperative pathology assessment of the endometrium is also necessary to determine the specific pathological type. If it is a special type of endometrial cancer, it is also necessary to clear the pelvic lymph nodes. If the endometrial cancer is at a later stage and the lesions are larger, then in addition to the removal of the uterus and both fallopian tubes and ovaries, it is also necessary to clear the lymph nodes around the abdominal aorta in the pelvis.

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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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Endometrial cancer requires chemotherapy.

If endometrial cancer has high-risk factors, chemotherapy is needed after surgery if these high-risk factors are found in the pathological staging. If it's early-stage endometrial cancer without these high-risk factors, chemotherapy might not be necessary after surgery because chemotherapy also serves to prevent recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, it is advised that patients with high-risk factors in endometrial cancer undergo chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy may have significant side effects, it can improve the survival time and quality of life for cancer patients. The decision to proceed with chemotherapy should be based on the postoperative pathological staging, biopsy results, and the presence or absence of factors like lymph node metastasis.

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Early symptoms of endometrial cancer

When endometrial cancer occurs in women, it first manifests as abnormal proliferation of the endometrium, increased endometrial surface area, and increased secretions, which can increase the pressure inside the uterine cavity, leading to lower abdominal pain in women. Most women can tolerate this pain, but it tends to worsen during vigorous activities or sexual intercourse. Vaginal discharge may become watery and increase. Additionally, some women may experience increased menstrual flow or irregular vaginal bleeding. Over time, this can lead to blood loss anemia in women, manifesting as dizziness, fatigue, and changes in appetite.