Are uterine polyps and endometrial cancer the same?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer are different. First, both can be induced by hormonal imbalances in the body, but endometrial polyps may also involve inflammatory elements, leading to the formation of polyps. Additionally, the age of onset differs; endometrial polyps are more common in women of reproductive age, whereas endometrial cancer typically occurs after the age of 45. Furthermore, their clinical manifestations vary. Women with endometrial polyps mainly experience changes in menstrual cycles and infertility, and generally, endometrial polyps grow slowly. In contrast, women with endometrial cancer mainly experience abdominal pain, heavy vaginal discharge, or bleeding. In advanced stages, women may exhibit signs of cachexia. These two conditions can be differentiated through diagnostic curettage.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is surgery necessary for endometrial cancer?

When a woman suffers from endometrial cancer, the primary treatment method is surgery, but there are some special circumstances. For example, if the lesion in the woman is relatively minor, it is atypical hyperplasia, which is a precancerous condition, or it is in the late stage of the disease, or in cases of recurrent endometrial cancer. At this time, treatment can be administered using progestogen drugs, applying high-dose long-term oral intake of effective progestogens, which can suppress the cancerous transformation of the endometrial lining and inhibit the further proliferation of cancer cells. Generally, it involves continuous oral administration for 12 weeks, which is three months, followed by a diagnostic curettage to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the drug. In addition, radiation therapy can also be considered.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should not be eaten with endometrial cancer?

When suffering from endometrial cancer, it's important to pay attention to your diet. Avoid eating foods that cause flare-ups, such as seafood, lamb, dog meat, oysters, and other sea products. Additionally, refrain from consuming high-fat, high-cholesterol foods like fatty meats, cream, and animal fats. Also, avoid eating foods that contain estrogen, such as longan, durian, red dates, and honey. It is also advisable to avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers, and other stimulants like pepper powder and white liquor, as these can affect the body's immunity and exacerbate the condition.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Late-stage symptoms of endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is a common malignant tumor in the female reproductive system. In advanced stages, patients often experience irregular vaginal bleeding. In addition, there may be bloody discharge from the vagina. If an infection is present or there are signs of necrosis due to the cancer, there may also be purulent discharge or other foul odors. Additionally, there are more apparent symptoms such as pain, abdominal masses, and in late stages, the cancer may invade blood vessels, causing swelling in the lower limbs, or spread to nearby organs, such as the ureters, leading to renal damage. Over time, this can also lead to cachexia, fever, and other signs of systemic failure.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometrial tofu dregs-like a sign of endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer usually manifests in five main aspects. First, irregular vaginal bleeding, which is typically light but can be moderate in some patients. If the patient is postmenopausal, the bleeding often appears as either continuous or intermittent. Second, menstrual disorders, which are a common symptom of endometrial cancer as it is a malignant tumor occurring in the endometrium and significantly affects menstruation. Third, vaginal discharge, where some patients may experience a discharge of thin, white secretions, or a very small amount of bloody discharge in the early stages of the disease. Fourth, pain; once a patient develops endometrial cancer, the tumor may cause bleeding and possibly lead to infection. Fifth, abdominal masses, which can occur if there is a combination of large uterine fibroids or in advanced stages, potentially leading to the formation of large masses in the pelvic cavity due to the spread of a uterine cavity abscess.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Early symptoms of endometrial cancer

When endometrial cancer occurs in women, it first manifests as abnormal proliferation of the endometrium, increased endometrial surface area, and increased secretions, which can increase the pressure inside the uterine cavity, leading to lower abdominal pain in women. Most women can tolerate this pain, but it tends to worsen during vigorous activities or sexual intercourse. Vaginal discharge may become watery and increase. Additionally, some women may experience increased menstrual flow or irregular vaginal bleeding. Over time, this can lead to blood loss anemia in women, manifesting as dizziness, fatigue, and changes in appetite.