Endometrial Cancer: Histopathology and Diagnostic Procedures

Abstract

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of female cancers. The incidence and mortality from EC has been observed to increase in recent decades. Abnormal bleeding, foul vaginal discharge, difficulty or pain during urination, pain during copulation, unexpected weight loss, pain in lower abdomen and legs, weakness in body etc. are the main signs and symptoms of EC. Age, nulliparity, Polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, tamoxifen use, early menarche, late menopause, diabetes, high blood pressure, lynch syndrome, cowden syndrome etc. are the major risk factors whereas physical activity, grand multiparity, combined contraceptive pills and smoking acts as the protective factors in EC. The diagnosis of this disease mainly occurs at later stages due to the late appearance of symptoms hence the advanced methods of early diagnosis are required to be developed. Here are described the histopathological types and subtypes of EC along with the conventionally used diagnostic procedures that will help to understand the existing strategies and further aid in developing efficient and accurate early detection methods.