What is the Recurrence Rate After Complete Surgical Removal of Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a common malignant tumor in gynecology, which is prevalent among postmenopausal women and women in perimenopause. It has a high mortality rate, and its occurrence is closely related to lifestyle. In the early stages, the symptoms of endometrial cancer are not obvious and are often discovered during gynecological exams. If women experience irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pain, or abdominal masses, they should be alert to the possibility of endometrial cancer and seek surgical treatment as soon as possible. Let's take a closer look at the recurrence rate of total hysterectomy for endometrial cancer.

There is still a certain recurrence rate after total hysterectomy for endometrial cancer, and the magnitude of this recurrence rate is closely related to the stage of the cancer. Endometrial cancer can be divided into stages such as carcinoma in situ, stage I, stage II, stage III, etc. The spreading ability and malignancy of tumor cells vary at different stages. It can be understood that the recurrence rate gradually increases from carcinoma in situ to stage III. For example, the recurrence rate is extremely low for carcinoma in situ if a total hysterectomy is performed, as the cancer is localized and can be completely cured. The recurrence rate for stage I endometrial cancer is around 20%, while the recurrence rate for stages II-III endometrial cancer after total hysterectomy is around 50%. This indicates a relatively high recurrence rate, as higher staging suggests a greater range of cancer cell metastasis and a relatively smaller possibility of complete surgical removal. Therefore, the higher the staging, the higher the recurrence rate. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and undergoing timely physical examinations can help reduce the recurrence rate.

(1) Bleeding: Irregular vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of endometrial cancer, often presenting as minor to moderate bleeding.

(2) Vaginal Discharge: Some patients may experience varying degrees of vaginal discharge. In the early stages, it may manifest as thin white secretions or a small amount of bloody discharge. If there is infection or necrosis of the cancer lesion, there may be purulent discharge accompanied by an odor. Sometimes, the vaginal discharge may contain tissue-like material.

(3) Pain: The cancer lesion and the associated bleeding or infection can stimulate uterine contractions, causing episodic lower abdominal pain.