What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer?

Currently, the exact cause of endometrial cancer has not yet been medically elucidated, but the following factors are mainly involved.

1. Genetic factors

Genetic factors may be involved in the development of endometrial cancer. Approximately 20% of endometrial cancer patients have a family history.

2. Reproductive endocrine disorders

Common diseases such as anovulatory menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. If the endometrium continues to be stimulated by estrogen due to insufficient luteal function or insufficient protection from progesterone, and the state of excessive proliferation continues for a long period of time, further endometrial cancer may occur.

3. Metabolic disorders

Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are known as the triad of endometrial cancer, and these three factors increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

4. Ovarian tumors

For example, ovarian granulosa cell tumors, ovarian cell tumors, etc. increase the risk of endometrial cancer because the disease produces high levels of estrogen.

5. Drug Factors

Studies have shown that long-term use of tamoxifen may cause endometrial hyperplasia, thereby increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

How can endometrial cancer be detected as early as possible?

1. Identify signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is irregular genital bleeding, including increased menstrual flow, irregular menstrual flow, nonmenstrual bleeding, and postmenopausal bleeding. Other rare symptoms include bloody or serous vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain or discomfort, anemia, and weight loss.

2. B-Ultrasound Examination

If a patient has the above physical symptoms, she should first see a gynecologist and undergo a B-ultrasound examination. Although the thickness of the endometrium during each menstrual cycle in women varies, generally, when endometrial cancer patients undergo a B-ultrasound examination, it is found that the thickness of the endometrium is much thicker than the upper limit of the normal reference range. Endometrial cancer patients in the ultranormal state will show localized enhanced blood flow signals, abundant blood vessels, and even colorful blood flow signals.

3. Pelvic MRI

Pelvic MRI clearly shows the anatomical structure of each layer of the uterus and its relationship to the surrounding tissues, allowing endometrial cancer to be accurately located and qualitatively diagnosed. This test is safe, non-invasive, non-radioactive, and important for preoperative evaluation.

4. Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a simple, safe, minimally invasive procedure that allows precise removal of lesions under direct vision for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. It has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting endometrial cancer.

What are precancerous lesions of endometrial cancer?

Broadly speaking, endometrial simple and complex hyperplasia are also early forms of precancerous lesions, but these are benign lesions. However, they may develop into endometrial cancer if progesterone replacement is not treated in the standard way.

Atypical endometrial hyperplasia is a true precancerous lesion and requires hysterectomy if the patient does not intend to have children. If infertility treatment is required, high doses of oral progesterone are required to restore endometrial treatment. If the post-treatment hysteroscopy shows that the amount of endometrium is not abnormal, you should immediately go to a reproductive center to help you conceive. And finish childbirth as soon as possible. If there is no plan for subsequent childbirth, a hysterectomy should be performed as soon as possible to avoid the risk of developing endometrial cancer in the long term.

How can I prevent endometrial cancer?

1. Pay attention to menstrual abnormalities and genital bleeding after menopause

Recurrent menstrual abnormalities and abnormal bleeding during the perimenopause period may be a sign of abnormal endometrial hyperplasia, which requires prompt identification and prompt treatment. After menopause is the age at which endometrial cancer most often occurs. If genital bleeding occurs, consult a doctor immediately. If the above situation occurs, gynecological color ultrasound and other examinations should be performed, and if endometrial thickening or occupancy in the uterine cavity is found, endometrial pathology tests should be performed promptly to rule out endometrial cancer.

2. Regular gynecological examinations

Visit a gynecologist every year for a professional health check. If abnormalities are found during a health check, they should be treated aggressively and followed up closely.

3. Active treatment of underlying diseases

Control blood pressure and lower blood sugar and blood lipids. Long-term use of drugs such as tamoxifen should be followed up or monitored closely. In the case of diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and estrogen-secreting ovarian tumors, active treatment is required.

4. Eat healthy and control weight

Eat a proper diet, change bad eating habits, exercise properly, and lose weight. Adipose tissue can also convert androgens derived from the adrenal gland into estrogen, which increases estrogen levels in the body. Obese women have more adipose tissue, which increases estrogen levels in the body, which overstimulates the growth of the endometrium and increases the risk of endometrial cancer. A BMI of more than 28 kg/m2 is a risk factor for endometrial cancer.

5. Standardization of hormone replacement therapy

Due to the decline in estrogen levels in menopausal women, they may experience hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, irritability, anxiety and other discomforts. When using hormone replacement therapy, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the indications, use it under the guidance of a gynecologist, and undergo regular health checkups. Women should also avoid taking cosmetics and health products with unknown ingredients.

6. Pay attention to family cancer history

People with a family history of gynecological endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and digestive malignancies should undergo genetic testing. Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancers. Women with Lynch syndrome should strengthen preventive screening, such as gynecological examinations, transvaginal ultrasound, and serum tumor markers, and if necessary, endometrial biopsy, and even preventive removal of the uterus and bilateral adnexa after childbirth is recommended.

A healthy lifestyle, control of indicators such as blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight, and regular menstruation are the basis for preventing fellow women from getting endometrial cancer. If you have the above high-risk factors and experience menstrual irregularities, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment.