Knowing the early diagnosis of endometrial cancer (EC) recurrence can help patients monitor any symptoms and contact their doctor right away if any appear.
EC has an overall 5-year survival rate of 80%. However, in around 18% of patients, the cancer returns. Maintaining follow-up appointments and monitoring for specific symptoms can be crucial in detecting endometrial cancer recurrence as soon as possible.
Types of recurrence in EC
EC can recur in three main forms.
A local recurrence means the cancer is only in the pelvic area. This is the most common form of recurrence, and is often associated with early-stage EC. If you had a hysterectomy cancer may return at the vaginal cuff, where the uterus and cervix were removed.
Regional recurrence means the cancer has spread to areas near the pelvis or to the lymph nodes. It often involves EC that is of an advanced stage or higher grade.
Distant recurrence means the cancer is in another area of the body. This is also called metastatic cancer. Distant reoccurrence may involve the lungs, liver, bones and lining of the stomach. It often involves EC that is of an advanced stage or higher grade, and may show up years after your initial EC diagnosis and treatment.
Monitoring for signs of recurrence in EC
Post-treatment follow-up is essential to monitor for signs of recurrence in EC. How often you will need appointments depends on your risk:
- If you are at low risk: every six months for the first two years, and then once yearly until five years post treatment.
- If you are at high risk: every three months for the first three years, and then every six months for the fourth and fifth years.
Follow-up appointments will involve a detailed discussion of any symptoms as well as a physical exam. If this raises concerns, CT, MRI or PET scans may be performed.
When attending these appointments, the doctor will be relying on your personal account of signs or symptoms that may indicate an EC recurrence. Keep a clear record of any potential symptoms that may indicate a recurrence.
Self-monitoring is an essential aspect of early detection. The following symptoms may be associated with a return of EC:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Stomach, pelvic or back pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bloating.
- Coughing.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling of the legs.
Read more about EC treatment and care
Risk factors for recurrence
While outcomes for women living with EC are often positive, prognosis depends largely on aspects relating to the tumor stage, grade, the effectiveness of treatment, age, obesity, existing health conditions, overall patient health and molecular classification. These aspects help guide the treatment protocol and to predict the risk of recurrence of EC.
Overall, the risk of recurrence is lower in cases of EC that were found at an early stage, were low grade and/or were treated with surgery alone.
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