Endometrial cancer warning signs: abnormal bleeding that should not be ignored

Endometrial cancer, as one of the most common malignant tumors in the female reproductive system, has an increasing incidence rate year by year worldwide. Although early treatment has a high success rate, many patients are often diagnosed in the late stage, which greatly increases the difficulty of treatment and the risk of death. Therefore, raising awareness of endometrial cancer, especially the identification of its early warning signs, is crucial for early detection, early treatment, and improved survival rates. This article will focus on a major warning sign of endometrial cancer - abnormal bleeding, and elaborate on its manifestations, causes, diagnosis, and prevention methods.

1. Endometrial cancer and abnormal bleeding

Endometrial cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant tumor that occurs in the endometrium. Abnormal bleeding is one of its most common early symptoms, specifically manifested as postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or irregular bleeding during non-menstrual periods, increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, etc. These seemingly insignificant bleeding phenomena are often easily ignored, but they are important warning signals sent by the body to us.

1. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

Postmenopausal women have stopped their normal menstrual cycle due to ovarian dysfunction. Therefore, once vaginal bleeding occurs, you should be highly alert, as it may be an early sign of endometrial cancer. The amount of bleeding may vary from person to person, and some women may only have a small amount of bloody discharge after menopause, but no matter how much bleeding there is, you should seek medical attention in time.

2. No menstrual period or abnormal menstrual flow

For women who have not yet reached menopause, abnormal bleeding from endometrial cancer may manifest as non-menstrual bleeding, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstruation. These symptoms may be confused with menstrual cycle disorders, but it should be noted that if these symptoms persist or recur, you should seek medical attention in time to rule out the possibility of endometrial cancer.

Possible causes of abnormal bleeding

Abnormal bleeding in endometrial cancer may be related to a variety of factors, including tumor cell infiltration, tumor rupture, tumor metastasis, etc.

1. Tumor cell infiltration

When tumor cells invade the deeper layers of the endometrial tissue, they may damage blood vessels and tissue structures, leading to bleeding. This bleeding usually manifests as continuous, small amounts of bleeding, or sometimes spotting.

2. Tumor rupture

As endometrial cancer grows, it may rupture for various reasons, leading to bleeding, which is usually accompanied by significant abdominal and back pain, and the amount of bleeding may be large.

3. Tumor metastasis

Tumor cells of endometrial cancer may also metastasize to other parts of the body through lymphatic vessels or blood vessels, such as the pelvic cavity, peritoneum, lungs, etc. Bleeding from these metastatic lesions may also manifest as abnormal vaginal bleeding.

In addition to endometrial cancer, abnormal bleeding may also be related to gynecological diseases such as vaginitis and cervicitis. Therefore, when abnormal bleeding occurs, you should seek medical attention in time and conduct standardized treatment after finding out the cause.

Other warning signs of endometrial cancer

In addition to abnormal bleeding, endometrial cancer may be accompanied by other warning signs, including increased vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, abdominal mass, and systemic symptoms.

1. Increased vaginal discharge

Some patients may experience increased vaginal discharge, which may be thin white discharge or a small amount of bloody vaginal discharge. If there is an infection, the discharge may become turbid, purulent, and accompanied by a foul odor. These changes may be caused by tumor tissue necrosis, infection, or bleeding, and are important warning signals from the body.

2. Lower abdominal pain

As the disease progresses, pain in the lower abdomen may gradually appear. The pain is usually dull or bloating, which may not be obvious at the beginning, but will gradually worsen. The appearance of pain usually means that the cancer tissue has invaded the surrounding tissues or nerves, indicating that the disease may have developed to a more serious stage.

3. Abdominal mass

When endometrial cancer develops to a certain extent, a mass may be felt in the lower abdomen, which is hard and has poor mobility. This indicates that the tumor has grown to a large size and has a significant compression and space-occupying effect on the surrounding tissues.

4. Systemic symptoms

In the late stage of endometrial cancer, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as anemia, weight loss, and fever. This is because cancer consumes a large amount of energy and nutrients in the body, causing a serious decline in physical function. The metastasis and spread of the tumor may also cause dysfunction of other organs, further aggravating systemic symptoms.

4. Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

Patients suspected of having endometrial cancer should go to the hospital as soon as possible for gynecological examinations, imaging examinations, and pathological examinations, so as to detect and confirm the disease as early as possible.

1. Gynecological examination

Through a bimanual or triple examination, the doctor can gain a preliminary understanding of abnormalities such as the size, shape, texture, and tenderness of the uterus.

2. Imaging examination

Including B-ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., which can clearly show the shape, size, position of the uterus and its appendages, and whether there is tumor infiltration or metastasis.

3. Pathological examination

Obtaining endometrial tissue samples for pathological examination through endometrial biopsy or curettage is the gold standard for diagnosing endometrial cancer.

The key to preventing endometrial cancer is to raise health awareness, conduct regular gynecological examinations, and promptly detect and address high-risk factors.

1. Regular physical examination

Regular gynecological examinations are the key to preventing endometrial cancer. Regular B-ultrasound, cervical cancer prevention examinations, and endometrial biopsies can detect abnormal changes in the endometrium early, allowing effective treatment measures to be taken.

2. Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Eating more vegetables and fruits and less greasy and spicy food can help maintain good health.

3. Control high-risk factors

Long-term infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, etc. are all high-risk factors for endometrial cancer. Women with these high-risk factors should pay more attention to their physical health, undergo regular gynecological examinations, and actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment recommendations.

4. Avoid using estrogen drugs

Long-term use of estrogen drugs may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Therefore, when using such drugs, you should strictly follow the doctor's advice and avoid unnecessary use.

In short, as a malignant tumor that seriously threatens women's health, early detection and early treatment of endometrial cancer are crucial to improving survival rates. Abnormal bleeding, as one of the main warning signs of endometrial cancer, should be taken seriously. By raising health awareness, conducting regular gynecological examinations, and promptly detecting and treating high-risk factors, we can effectively reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and protect our health. Let us act together to protect our health!

Author: Yuan Lei, Northern Campus of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine