Women with obesity may have up to four times the risk of developing endometrial cancer than women of normal weight. Endometrial cancer is also more common in women who have conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Women who began menstruating before age 12 and stopped having menstrual cycles relatively late in life have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. This is because they have been exposed to estrogen for a longer period of time. Other conditions that raise the risk of developing this type of cancer are endometrial polyps, noncancerous growths such as cysts, and endometrial hyperplasia, which is a thickening of the endometrium that may be precancerous.
Women who take the medication tamoxifen for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer and those who use estrogen replacement therapy to ease symptoms of menopause may also have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. However, women who have taken combination oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, may have a lower risk.
This is because progestin combats estrogen-fueled cell growth and protects the lining of the uterus. This protective effect increases with the length of time you use these contraceptives and continues for many years after you stop taking birth control pills.
The risk of endometrial cancer is higher in women who have Lynch syndrome, which is caused by several gene mutations that increase the risk of many cancers, including colorectal and ovarian cancer. NYU Langone doctors use several tests to diagnose endometrial cancer or to look for precancerous cells, which are cells that have undergone changes that often precede cancer development. Having a yearly pelvic exam may alert your doctor to symptoms, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, that may warrant diagnostic testing.
During a pelvic exam, your gynecologist may perform a screening test, also known as a Pap test, for cervical cancer. In this test, the doctor uses a small brush to gently scrape cells from the vagina and cervix, which is the bottom portion of the uterus. A pathologist, a doctor who looks at tissue samples to identify abnormalities, examines the cells under a microscope to look for any precancerous or cancerous changes.
Although this test is not performed to screen for endometrial cancer, it may indicate the presence of abnormal endometrial cells, prompting additional testing. Your NYU Langone doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy if you have abnormal bleeding or if your Pap test reveals precancerous endometrial cells. In this test, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter through the vagina and into the uterus.
A small amount of the endometrium is suctioned out and later examined by a pathologist to look for precancerous or cancerous cells. It can be completed in fewer than 10 minutes. Endometrial biopsy results are often very informative. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. Like with a CT scan, a special dye called a contrast medium can be given intravenously or orally before the scan to create a clearer picture.
MRI is very useful for getting detailed images if the treatment plan will include hormone management see Types of Treatment. MRI is often used in women with low-grade uterine cancer see Stages and Grades to see how far the cancer has grown into the wall of the uterus. Molecular testing of the tumor. Your doctor may recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. Results of these tests can help determine your treatment options.
After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, additional testing will be performed to discover how far the disease has grown. This helps to categorize the disease by stage and grade and directs the type of treatment that will be needed. The next section in this guide is Stages and Grades.
It explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of the disease. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. Uterine Cancer: Diagnosis Approved by the Cancer. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test: The type of cancer suspected Your signs and symptoms Your age and general health The results of previous medical tests In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose uterine cancer: Pelvic examination.
Types of Cancer. Uterine Cancer Guide. Net Guide Uterine Cancer. Medical Illustrations. Risk Factors and Prevention. Symptoms and Signs. Stages and Grades. An endometrial biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure that helps a doctor diagnose potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. This outpatient procedure requires minimal preparation, and the most common side effect is cramping.
After the procedure, a person may want to wear a sanitary pad as bleeding may occur. Endometriosis is a painful condition in which uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and how to manage it.
In a biopsy, tissue or cells are taken from a patient for examination. There are different types of biopsy and they can help in diagnosis and…. Cervical endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on the cervix. Many experience no symptoms and require no treatment, while others opt for…. What is an endometrial biopsy, and why would you need one? Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Definition and purpose Conditions Signs and symptoms Procedure Aftercare Side effects Results and next steps Support Who should not get one Summary An endometrial biopsy is a procedure to evaluate potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.
What is an endometrial biopsy, and why is it done? What conditions does an endometrial biopsy test for? What are the signs a person may need an endometrial biopsy? The endometrial biopsy procedure. Endometrial biopsy aftercare and recovery. Side effects of an endometrial biopsy. Endometrial biopsy results and next steps.
Support following a diagnosis. Who should not undergo an endometrial biopsy? Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?
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