Endometriosis and endometrial cancer can be confused because the names are similar. However, they are different conditions.
Dr Helen Clarke, Chair of Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, answers some of the questions you may have about endometriosis and endometrial cancer below.
What’s the difference between endometriosis and endometrial cancer?
The names sound similar, but they are not the same thing. Endometriosis is a benign condition, whereby the cells like those in the womb lining grow outside of the womb (i.e. on the lining of the pelvis, on the fallopian tube or ovary). Endometrial (womb) cancer is a malignant process that happens when cells lining the womb develop abnormalities and grow in an uncontrolled way, causing a cancer.
Are the symptoms the same?
Endometriosis can affect anyone who is of reproductive age, but it is more common during your 30’s and 40’s. Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include pain in the lower part of your tummy or back (called pelvic pain), severe pain during periods, pain during or after sex and difficulty getting pregnant. Some people with endometriosis are badly affected by these and others may not have any noticeable symptoms.
The most common symptom of womb cancer is bleeding after the menopause (post-menopausal bleeding). However, it can also affect younger people who are still having periods. Other symptoms include your periods becoming heavier than normal, bleeding in between periods or after sex, tummy (abdominal) pain, abnormal vaginal discharge (pink or watery), blood in the urine (haematuria) and unexplained weight loss.
Is endometriosis the same as endometrial hyperplasia?
No, endometriosis is a benign condition. Endometrial hyperplasia is a pre-cancerous change within the lining of the womb. Hyperplasia can be diagnosed with or without atypia (how normal the cells look under the microscope). Hyperplasia is an irregular thickening of the womb lining and if left untreated, can progress to womb cancer.
If I have endometriosis, am I at risk of endometrial cancer or other cancers?
There is no proven link between endometriosis and going on to develop endometrial (womb) cancer. Medical research indicates people with endometriosis may have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer, but it is important to note that this risk is still very low. Most women with endometriosis will never develop ovarian cancer.
If you are experiencing symptoms of either condition make an appointment with your GP for further investigation. What is womb cancer? gives more information about the signs and symptoms of womb cancer.
