Endometrial cancer
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 cancerCauses
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:
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.
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