Metastatic Endometrial Cancer | From Diagnosis to Treatment

livewell
January 30, 2025
Noah Bennett

Metastatic endometrial cancer also known as uterine cancer refers to a condition where a malignant ailment spreads from the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus, to distant places in the body. When detected early, endometrial cancer is quite treatable.

On the other hand, this cancer occurs when cancerous cells move to other organs of the body like lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or bones. This stage and its management require an understanding of the underlying symptoms, a properly formed diagnosis, and a treatment plan.

This article focuses on the signs and the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Commonly affected sites of Metastasis

When endometrial cancer is at an advanced stage, it means the cancerous cells have invaded the uterus and started attacking other body organs or parts. The following are the most commonly affected sites of metastasis:

Lymph nodes: They are small, bean-shaped structures present across and around the body that filter fluids
Lungs: These are the primary organs responsible for breathing.
Liver: This is the organ responsible for filtering blood and processing nutrients.
Bones: These are the framework of the body.
Brain: This is the control center of the body.

Symptoms of Metastatic Endometrial Cancer

The signs of this cancer differ based on which tissues or organs are affected because of the spread of cancer. Below is a list of some of the more common symptoms to look out for.

Pain and Pressure in the Pelvis

Constant, debilitating pain in the pelvis may be a sign that the cancer has progressed beyond the uterus.

Intravaginal Discharge or Bleeding

The most common endometrial cancer symptoms include Irregular bleeding, like postmenopausal bleeding or bleeding before and after periods.

Regional Pains

If the cancer progresses to the ribs, back, or any other bone, then there may be substantial pain accompanying that region of the body.

Weakness or Fatigue

If the body’s energy gets drained because of systemic cancer, severe fatigue, and weakness can happen.

Weighing More or Less

Advanced cancer can cause great and rapid loss in weight which is quite alarming.

Breathing Issues

Breath-related issues like trouble breathing, chronic cough, or persistent pain within the chest may occur if the lungs are influenced by cancerous cells.

Symptoms concerning the Abdomen and Liver

Digestive problems, swelling of the abdomen, and jaundice may take place if the cancer spreads to the liver.

Neurological Complaints

Symptoms include headaches, convulsions, vision impairment, and general weakness, stemming from movement of the endometrial neck cancer cells into the brain regions.

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Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer Metastatic Disease

It’s vital to be aware that precise diagnosis is critical to the creation of any therapy program. Diagnosis usually follows this framework:

History and Physical Examination

A medical professional gathers a deep narrative concerning the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. Also, in some cases, a pelvic exam may reveal other pathological changes.

Tests Using Photographic Technique

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

Their purpose is to search for dissemination of the tumor to pulmonary tissue, liver, or other organs in the abdominal cavity.

Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI)

It allows the reception of bone pictures of all soft tissues involved in the disease process to determine the degree of the disease.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

These make it possible to visualize the areas of the body where metastasis has occurred.

Biopsy

This procedure involves the extraction of a portion of tissue and its examination under a microscope for the identification of cancer cells.

Blood Tests

Some markers in the blood could show if the cancer is spreading. In addition, liver, and kidney function tests are critical components when figuring out overall fitness.

Staging of Cancer

Staging assists in figuring out the extent of the disease and helps in deciding on treatment options. Stage four of endometrial cancer stages is classified as metastatic cancer.

Treatment of Endometrial Metastatic Cancer

A variety of therapies aimed at treating cancer, improving symptoms, and enhancing the patient’s overall well-being are included in the treatment for endometrial metastatic cancer. Endometrial cancer survival rates vary based on the stage at diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment.

Surgery

If the cancer has not spread far, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove the cancerous cells. Surgery may be the most viable option in case the cancer is at a lower stage.

Radiotherapy

It is a non-surgical procedure that serves as an option for people suffering from cancer. Importantly, high-energy rays are directed to the affected part of the body and help to destroy cancer cells. In addition, doctors may use it to alleviate pain and other symptoms when bone metastasis occurs.

Hormone Therapy

Certain types of endometrial cancer respond to hormone therapy, hence blocking estrogen and progesterone responsible for tumor growth and further proliferation is also an option. Also, most oncologists commonly prescribe medications such as progestins and Aromatase inhibitors.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for metastatic cancer is an adjuvant therapy that is used for widespread cancer. The commonest drugs are carboplatin and paclitaxel. Furthermore, it can be given by mouth or intravenously infused. It helps decrease tumor size as well as control symptoms of cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Therapies use a different approach to cancer treatment by concentrating on specific molecules that help in the growth and spread of tumors. In the case of endometrial cancer, the targeted drugs are those which act on particular pathways with genetic mutations.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment which stimulates the immune system to fight against the cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors have shown good results among patients with advanced endometrial cancer. One example of this is pembrolizumab.

Clinical Trials

By getting involved in clinical trials, patients can get new therapies that are not widely in use yet. Talking to the doctors about these options can provide new ways to tackle the illness.

Wrap Up

Management of this condition is a challenge in itself due to the nature of the metastatic endometrial cancer; however, the advancements made in both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition bring forth optimism regarding the overall management and the patient’s quality of life. Moreover, it is important to understand and appreciate the broad scope of issues present in this particular condition – the potential emergence of symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and the best treatment option available to the individual patient.

With proper care and attention, patients can lead a better life and actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

Improve Your Health with Medicare Well

Medicare Well provides information on metastatic cancer and ensures access to comprehensive health and wellness resources. Our platform offers up-to-date insights on symptoms, treatment options, and survival rates, empowering patients and caregivers with knowledge. Trust Medicare Well to guide you through the complexities of metastatic endometrial cancer, helping you make informed decisions about your health journey.

FAQ

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What is the life expectancy of metastatic endometrial cancer?

The average life span of an individual with this cancer greatly depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the cancer, and the particular treatment administered to the individual. Hence, the median five-year survival rate estimate stands at 17%. Although these numbers can greatly improve with the advancement in treatment techniques.

Can stage 4 endometrial cancer be cured?

Endometrial cancer achieves Stage 4 when the disease has spread beyond the uterus and its surrounding tissues. Even though it is severely problematic, this stage is maskable through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.

Where is the first place endometrial cancer spreads?

This type of cancer affects pelvic lymph nodes, ovaries, and other tissues within the pelvis. When this form of cancer advances further, it targets the lungs, liver, and even bones.

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