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Endometrial cancer

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb).

Alternative Names:

Endometrial/uterine adenocarcinoma; Uterine cancer; Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium/uterus; Cancer - uterine; Cancer - endometrial; Uterine corpus cancer

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to have a role. Estrogen helps stimulate the buildup of the epithelial lining of the uterus. Studies have shown that high levels of estrogen in animals results in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer .

Most cases of endometrial cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but a few cases may occur before age 40.

The following increase your risk of endometrial cancer:

• History of endometrial polyps or other benign growths of the uterine lining
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Tamoxifen, a drug for breast cancer treatment
• Diabetes
• Never being pregnant (nulliparity)
• Starting menstruation at an early age (before age 12)
• Infertility (inability to become pregnant)
• Starting menopause after age 50

Associated conditions include the following:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Polycystic ovarian disease

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology . 3rd ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2004:2273-2304.

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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