The Lesser-Known Stages and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), endometrial cancer, also known as endometrial carcinoma, usually begins in the interior lining of the uterus. There are four main stages: Stage I—the cancer is only in the uterus; stage II—the cancer has moved into the cervix; stage III—the cancer has moved into the lymph nodes, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tubes; stage IV—the cancer has spread to your rectum, bladder, and other organs. Endometrial carcinoma treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy to target and destroy cancerous cells. The lesser-known symptoms of endometrial cancer are as follows: 1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding Nearly 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. Often, this presents itself as changes in monthly menstruation, bleeding between menstrual periods, or bleeding after menopause. Although you can experience non-cancer issues that also cause abnormal bleeding, you should still seek medical attention immediately. In particular, you should visit your doctor if you experience any abnormal vaginal discharge if you’re past your menopause stage 2. Pelvic pain If you’re feeling pain in your pelvic area, it could signify that you have endometrial cancer. Though this symptom is more prevalent in the later stages of the disease, it can appear as early as stage I in some patients.