Spot symptoms in time

misdiagnosis

Wrong or delayed diagnosis has led to an increase in the number of endometrial cancer cases in the country. Confusing symptoms of this form of cancer, which include spotting and bleeding, with that of menopause in middle-aged women is one of the important factors contributing to the mortality.

The cancer occurs when the inner lining of the uterus (known as endometrium) starts growing uncontrollably and turns cancerous. The most common symptoms are irregular periods, spotting or bleeding, abdominal pain and infertility. However, since during and after menopause, women tend to have most of these symptoms, healthcare practitioners sometimes confuse it with normal menopause, which delays the diagnosis, leading to increased challenges and complications in the treatment.

While anybody with a uterus can get endometrial cancer, studies reveal that it is middle-aged or older women who account for maximum deaths due to the disease. Affected women usually visit an oncologist only after wasting way too much time consulting gynaecologists and general physicians.

Surgical options

Fortunately endometrial cancer is one of the most effectively treatable cancers if reported in time. According to research, surgery is the most effective treatment. Laparoscopic and robotic surgical options help patients recover without too much pain or hardships.

They offer several advantages over conventional open surgery with same, sometimes even better clinical outcomes. Lesser trauma, shortened hospital stay, less blood loss, quicker recovery, less cost in long  run, fewer follow-ups and better quality of life post surgery are the main benefits.

Though many patients are cured after the surgery, depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient, a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and even hormone therapy is used. This calls for raising awareness not only in women but also among health care practitioners, especially the gynaecologists, who are often the first point of contact for the women reporting symptoms of endometrial cancer.

Risk factors

Apart from regular menopausal symptoms, around 10% of women with endometrial cancer also have non-bloody discharge. This makes it very important to take note of any abnormal vaginal discharge and report the same to the doctor. The risk factors of endometrial cancer, according to American Cancer Society, include hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, no pregnancy, obesity, age, diabetes, certain ovarian tumours, polycystic ovarian syndrome, family history, having been diagnosed with breast, ovarian cancer or endometrial hyperplasia in the past and a treatment with radiation therapy.

Watch out for abnormal vaginal discharge and visit your gynaecologist immediately if you experience any. And in case the symptoms persist, book an appointment with an oncologist. Remember, a timely diagnosis is a key to successful treatment of endometrial cancer.

(The author is a robotic & laparoscopic surgical oncologist, MACS Clinic, Bengaluru)