Endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer are two different gynecological cancers of women’s reproductive organs. While both could have serious consequences for health and wellbeing, they differ in treatment approaches, risk factors, symptoms, and origin. This article describes the primary differences between endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer so you can recognize the circumstances and make informed medical choices. Regardless of whether you want info for yourself or even a loved one, knowing the differences between these cancers will help you detect and control them earlier.
Endometrial Cancer: Overview & Characteristics.
Endometrial cancer is cancer of the inside of the uterine tract (endometrium). It’s the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. Endometrial cancer happens in postmenopausal females but could happen to any female.
Endometrial cancer features include:
Symptoms: Anomaly vaginal bleeding, particularly postmenopausal bleeding is probably the most frequent sign of endometrial cancer. Some other symptoms include pelvic pain, pelvic strain, or modified bowel or bladder habits.
Risk Factors: Typical risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity, hormone imbalances (estrogen dominance) diabetes, endometrial hyperplasia family and some hereditary disorders (Lynch syndrome).
Diagnosis: Endometrial cancer is diagnosed following a medical history review, pelvic examination, radiographs (ultrasound or MRI) along with endometrial biopsy for confirmation of cancerous cells.
Ovarian Cancer: Overview & Characteristics.
Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs which make female hormones and the eggs. It’s less common than endometrial cancer but is more aggressive and difficult to detect early. Characteristics of ovarian cancer include:
Symptoms: Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it might not display apparent symptoms at early stages. When symptoms occur they may include pressure, pelvic pain, or abdominal bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full very quickly and altered bowel habits.
Risk Factors: Family history of ovarian or breast cancer, acquired genetic mutations (BRCA2 and BRCA1 gene mutations), growing age and specific health conditions (endometriosis) are risk factors for ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis: The absence of specific symptoms and specific screening tests makes ovarian cancer difficult to diagnose early. The definitive diagnosis usually involves pelvic examination, imaging tests (ultrasound or CT scan), blood test (CA-125 tumor marker) and surgical biopsy.
Variations Between Endometrial Cancer & Ovarian Cancer.
While both endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer affect the female reproductive system, they’re distinct in several ways:
Origin: Endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) along with ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries.
Symptoms: Endometrial cancer is characterised by irregular vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and bowel or bladder changes whereas ovarian cancer displays as a vague indicator of pelvic discomfort and abdominal bloating.
Risk Factors: Endometrial cancer is linked to obesity, hormone imbalances and illnesses like endometrial hyperplasia and diabetes, whereas genetic mutations, family history of cancer and diseases including endometriosis are related to ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis: Endometrial cancer is diagnosed with endometrial biopsy whereas ovarian cancer diagnosis typically calls for imaging tests, surgical biopsy and blood tests due to its elusive symptoms and lack of effective screening.
Treatment Approaches
Endometrial and ovarian cancer treatment is dependent upon the stage of the disease, individual preferences and health. Common treatment modalities include:
Surgery: Surgery for both cancers might include hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), bilateral salpingo oophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes) and ovaries, or lymph node dissection (removal of adjacent lymph nodes).
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy might be used to eliminate cancer cells and also shrink tumors prior to surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) following surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) or to manage advanced or recurrent cancer.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can kill cancer cells in the pelvis following surgery or to relieve symptoms in advanced endometrial cancer.
Conclusion
Overall, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer are gynecological cancers which vary in treatment approaches, risk factors, symptoms, and origin. Understanding these differences is crucial for early detection, management and diagnosis of these conditions. In case you have concerns regarding your gynecologic health or experience symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer, see an oncologist near you in your town for expert analysis and direction. Early detection and timely intervention may enhance outcomes and quality of life for women with these cancers.