Difference Between Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer

But there are key differences, too. Endometriosis happens when the special tissue that normally lines your uterus, called the endometrium, starts to grow in other places. You get endometrial cancer when cells of the endometrium become abnormal looking, grow out of control, and form a tumor.

1. Can endometriosis be confused with cancer?
2. What were your first signs of endometrial cancer?
3. What is a significant early sign of endometrial carcinoma?
4. What are the 4 stages of endometriosis?
5. Can endometriosis be seen on ultrasound?
6. Will I die from endometrial cancer?
7. How long can you have endometrial cancer without knowing?
8. How long can you live with untreated endometrial cancer?
9. What is the treatment for thickened endometrium?
10. Are endometrial biopsies accurate?
11. Are there any other symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia Besides bleeding?

Can endometriosis be confused with cancer?

Though their names sound similar, endometrial cancer is considered a neoplastic process while endometriosis is a benign condition. Endometriosis, however, has characteristics typically attributed to cancers, including the ability to spread throughout the body and develop its own blood supply (angiogenesis).

What were your first signs of endometrial cancer?

Early warning signs of uterine cancer

• Unusual vaginal discharge that does not have signs of blood.
• Difficult or painful urination.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain and/or a mass in the pelvic area.
• Unintentional weight loss.

What is a significant early sign of endometrial carcinoma?

Most women with endometrial cancer have early symptoms. The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding. For women who are premenopausal, this includes irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting, and bleeding between menstrual periods.

What are the 4 stages of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is classified into one of four stages (I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate, and IV-severe) based upon the exact location, extent, and depth of the endometriosis implants as well as the presence and severity of scar tissue and the presence and size of endometrial implants in the ovaries.

Can endometriosis be seen on ultrasound?

A standard ultrasound imaging test won't definitively tell your doctor whether you have endometriosis, but it can identify cysts associated with endometriosis (endometriomas).

Will I die from endometrial cancer?

About 66,570 new cases of cancer of the body of the uterus (uterine body or corpus) will be diagnosed. About 12,940 women will die from cancers of the uterine body.

How long can you have endometrial cancer without knowing?

Some women with endometrial cancer have no symptoms until the disease has spread to other organs. But endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed by the appearance of symptoms -- like vaginal bleeding -- as the cancer begins to grow.

How long can you live with untreated endometrial cancer?

Five other cases of untreated endometrial carcinoma were found in the literature. The patients had varying length of survival (range: 5 months to 12 years), but all patients experienced generally good health several years after diagnosis.

What is the treatment for thickened endometrium?

Treatment options for endometrial hyperplasia depend on what type you have. The most common treatment is progestin. This can be taken in several forms, including pill, shot, vaginal cream, or intrauterine device. Atypical types of endometrial hyperplasia, especially complex, increase your risk of getting cancer.

Are endometrial biopsies accurate?

An endometrial biopsy is the most commonly used test for endometrial cancer and is very accurate in postmenopausal women. It can be done in the doctor's office.

Are there any other symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia Besides bleeding?

Symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia include abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, dramatic changes in the duration of menstrual periods, postmenopausal bleeding, or heavier menstrual blood flow. In some instances, endometrial hyperplasia may precede cancer of the uterus.