It is mainly seen in postmenopausal women, whose periods are stopped. Vaginal bleeding is the first symptom which occurs in endometrial cancer.

Signs and symptoms

• Post menopausal bleeding.
• Prolonged periods.
• Intermenstrual bleeding.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain in the pelvic region.
• Weight loss.

Risk factors

• Early menarche, late menopause.
• Nulliparous: Never been pregnant.
• Irregular ovulation.
• Obesity.
• High fat diet.
• Diabetes.
• Estrogen replacement therapy.
• Ovarian tumors.
• History of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
• Tamoxifen treatment.

Tests and diagnosis

• Ultrasound abdomen.
• Transvaginal ultrasound.
• Endometrial biopsy.
• Pap test.
• Dilatation and curettage.

Stages of endometrial cancer

• Stage 1: The cancer is found only in uterus and not spread outside the uterus.
• Stage II cancer is present in both the body of your uterus and in cervix. In this stage, cancer is no longer confined to the uterus, but hasn't spread beyond the pelvic region.
• Stage III cancer has not involved the rectum and bladder, though pelvic area lymph nodes may be involved.
• Stage IV cancer is the most serious and the cancer has spread beyond the pelvic region and can affect the bladder, rectum and more distant parts of your body.

Treatment

• Surgery: Hysterectomy, which involves the removal of uterus.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Hormone therapy.