Endometrial cancer: interview with Dr. Álvarez Bernardi
El endometrial cancer It is one of the most frequently detected tumors in women in Spain. Dr. Julio Álvarez Bernardi, Head of the Gynecologic Oncology Service of the Women's Unit, has given an interview to the La Sexta program 'What's Happening to Me, Doctor', in which he answered some of the questions about this type of cancer.
At what age does the risk of endometrial cancer increase?
This type of cancer is more common above 60 years, after menopause. Eighty percent of uterine cancer cases occur in women of this age. However, It can also occur in patients under 50 years of age., especially in people with hereditary familial cancers.
Is endometrial cancer the only uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancer is the most common, but not the only cancer. The uterus has two parts: the corpus and the cervix. Inside the corpus, there are two layers: an outer layer, the myometrium, which is muscular, and an inner layer, the endometrium. Cancer of the inner layer is much more prevalent, the endometrium.
What relationship might there be between this type of cancer and other syndromes or pathologies in colon tissues, such as Lynch disease?
When it occurs in young women, which is not common, it is always necessary study whether it is a hereditary familial cancer, and can be associated with colon, urogenital, and even ovarian cancer. Sometimes there are associations between ovarian and endometrial cancer that must be ruled out, coinciding with syndromes such as Lynch syndrome.
What types of operations are performed today?
Currently, priority is given, if possible, to minimally invasive surgeryWe're not just talking about laparoscopy; endoscopic procedures of other magnitude can also be performed. Nowadays, procedures are beginning to be performed through natural orifices, such as the vagina. However, for gynecological cancer, the accessibility of some areas, such as the lymph nodes, makes it difficult to access via this route.
In the case of uterine cancer, are other areas usually removed?
In this type of cancer, the fundamental thing is remove the uterus, but also the fallopian tubes and ovaries, because they have a direct relationship with one of the most common causes of endometrial cancer, which is increased estrogen.
What type of medication is used?
In some patients, surgery may be combined with other treatments. This depends on the type of tumor, its stage, extent, and level of aggressiveness. It is sometimes complemented with radiotherapy, which consists of destroying cells through radiation (either locally or on the external part of the abdomen) or even with chemotherapya. In addition, treatments are currently also being used with patients who may experience relapses, such as immunotherapy.
What is the most common factor?
Although there are factors that can increase the risk (obesity, lack of physical exercise), the most common is estrogen stimulation without progesterone opposition.
About fluorescence-guided surgery
In gynecological surgery, one of the drawbacks is the proximity of the ureter to the area of the uterus to be removed, so it must be well located to avoid damage. fluorescence It allows us to mark its path well, so the possibility of damaging it is much lower.
In addition, with this technique you can also quickly locate the sentinel node, which is the first lymph node that would be affected by tumor cells if they had left the uterus.
Protective factors against endometrial cancer
The fundamental is maintain a good diet and exercise as usual for avoid being overweight. In addition, the treatments oral hormonal contraceptives, which contain progesterone, protect against endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer symptoms
The most common symptom is experiencing vaginal bleeding after menopauseAlthough it is true that only 15% of women with this symptom have uterine cancer, it is important to be checked.
The psychological impact of cancer
The program has also featured the participation of Elena de Iracheta, psychologist at the Women's Unit, who has explained the most common psychological consequences of a diagnosis like this: self-esteem problems, stress, depressive and anxious symptoms... In this way, with the cognitive behavioral therapy Patients are offered the keys and tools to cope with the disease and the process. The first thing, as Elena de Iracheta explains, is Learn to accept the news and manage the stress generated by the initial impact and diagnosis.It's also important for them to learn how to manage the news they receive and how to process it at that time of life. And, of course, we often work with the family so they can support the patient at all times.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673. make an appointment for an in-person consultation Or make an appointment for an online consultation if you prefer remote consultations—always with the best specialists.