Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Endometrial Cancer

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a type of the disease that begins in the uterus. 

Insight:

• The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs.
• Symptoms include vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain.
• Risk factors include changes in the hormone balances, menstruation starting before 12 years of age, never being pregnant, older age, obesity, hormone therapy for breast cancer, and history of colon cancer.
• Diagnosis includes examining the pelvis, using sound waves to create a picture of the uterus, scoping the endometrium, sample biopsy, and performing surgery
• Treatment for endometrial cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care.
• Some of the chemotherapy medications for endometrial cancer paclitaxel (Taxol), carboplatin, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cisplatin and docetaxel (Taxotere).

Sources:

• Endometrial cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Endometrial cancer - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• Chemotherapy for Endometrial Cancer