REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS


Diagram of the Reproductive Organs.

Endometrial Cancer: Cancer of the womb.
Endometrial cancer is where cancer cells start to grow in the lining of the uterus (womb). The tissue which lines the womb is called the endometrium, and hence the name. The womb lies between the bladder and the rectum and is shaped like an upside down pear. During pregnancy it houses the growing fetus and expands as the baby grows. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer in America. It accounts for about 6 percent of all new female cancers and affects 39,000 American women a year.

The following is a useful guide to the different symptoms for each gynecologic cancer.

Symptoms	Cervical Cancer	Ovarian Cancer	Endometrial Cancer	Vaginal Cancer	Vulva Cancer
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pelvic pressure or pain		Yes	Yes		Yes
Back or abdominal pain		Yes
Bloating		Yes
Change in bowel or bladder habits		Yes		Yes
Itching or burning vulva					Yes
Changes in vulva skin, sores, warts					Yes

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER



Diagram of the womb (uterus), and different conditions that can affect it.

Comparing site of growth of endometrial cancer and cervical cancer

ADVANCED STAGES

Advanced stromal sarcoma endometrial cancer

ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY

Endometrial Biopsy: To diagnose the presence of cancer.

D&C



Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) To Obtain Tissue Sample For Biopsy
A speculum (first panel) is inserted into the vagina to widen it so that the doctor can look at the cervix. A dilator (middle panel) is then used to widen the cervix. A curette (last panel) is then put through the cervix and into the uterus and a sample of abnormal tissue is scraped out.

Obesity is a risk factor. See causes of cervical cancer.