Endometrial cancer (EC) can be categorized in many different ways. Its grade describes the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. Stage refers to how far the cancer has spread in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification has seven types based on how the cells look under the microscope.
If you hear “type 1” or “type 2,” it means the cancer’s category under the traditional classification system.
The basics of type 1 and type 2 endometrial cancer
The traditional classification divides EC into two main types, based on whether or not the cancer needs estrogen to grow.
Type 1: This the most common type of endometrial cancer, and is dependent on estrogen. Type 1 cancers are slow growing, less likely to spread to other parts of the body and have a better prognosis. Type 1 endometrial cancers are most often a type called endometrioid adenocarcinomas.
Type 2: This type is less common but more aggressive, faster growing and more likely to spread to tissue outside the uterus. Type 2 cancers are not dependent on estrogen. Cancers of type 2 include uterine serous and clear cell carcinomas, carcinosarcoma and undifferentiated/dedifferentiated carcinomas.
When deciding on the most effective treatment pathway, your healthcare team will consider information like the type of your endometrial cancer, along with its grade, stage and other characteristics.
Read more about the types of EC
Understanding type 1 endometrial cancer
Type 1 EC is usually detected at an earlier stage, allowing for immediate treatment and a better overall prognosis. Around 80% of EC is classified as type 1.
Type 1 symptoms
The signs of type 1 EC relate to unusual vaginal bleeding:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Post-menopausal bleeding.
Type 1 treatment
These cancers are usually of a low grade (grade 1 or 2) and stage (stage 1 or 2), with a reduced risk of other organs being affected. In most cases, treatment includes the removal of the uterus.
Chemotherapy or radiation is not usually used to treat type 1 EC, but may be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure there are no residual cancer cells.
Understanding type 2 endometrial cancer
Type 2 EC cancers are more aggressive and have a higher risk of moving to other parts of the body (called metastasis).
Type 2 symptoms
Compared to type 1, signs of type 2 EC may be more varied:
- Abnormal bleeding.
- Post-menopausal bleeding.
- Watery or clear discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Fatigue.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in the back or side.
Type 2 treatment
Treatment of type 2 EC is more aggressive, with removal of the uterus, ovaries and lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation often recommended.
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