How to Diagnose Endometrial Cancer

Introduction

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that occurs in women. A woman with endometrial cancer first develops the cancer in the endometrium before it moves on to other parts of the reproductive system. Since endometrial cancer gets much worse as it progresses, you want to get an early diagnosis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Consider your age. Although you can get endometrial cancer at a younger age, most cases involve women who have already gone through menopause.

2

Step Two

Notice any abnormal bleeding. Heavy, period-like bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of endometrial cancer. You may also notice a discharge from your vagina.

3

Step Three

Observe any pain that you may be experiencing. Women with endometrial cancer may have pain in their pelvic regions or feel discomfort during sex.

4

Step Four

Set up an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Your doctor should rule out any other possible causes before looking into an endometrial cancer diagnosis. Fibroids and vaginal infections can cause similar symptoms.

5

Step Five

Get a biopsy done. If endometrial cancer is suspected, then your doctor should take tissue from the endometrium to test the cells. If the doctor does not get enough cells for testing, you may need a D and C. This surgical procedure is more invasive and is used to get more tissue to test for cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes during a pelvic exam, a gynecologist can notice changes in the shape of the uterus that can be linked to endometrial cancer.
• Pap smears usually do not detect endometrial cancer. A pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer.