Dr. Ha Huynh Kim Yen, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, recalled Minh's stunned reaction upon receiving the news. "She was speechless," Dr. Yen said.

Two weeks prior, Minh had experienced unusual vaginal bleeding after menopause, prompting her to seek a gynecological check-up at Tam Anh General Clinic. An MRI revealed a 66x90x85 mm lesion in her uterine lining and several pelvic lymph nodes. A biopsy confirmed uterine cancer.

Minh was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for a hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection. Post-surgery pathology confirmed endometrial adenocarcinoma. The papillary tumor had infiltrated the entire myometrium, with nearly 97% myometrial invasion. While the 17 dissected pelvic lymph nodes showed no malignant cells, and both ovaries appeared normal.

The surgical team performing Minh's hysterectomy. Photo: Huyen Vu

The surgical team performing Minh's hysterectomy. Photo: Huyen Vu

Endometrial cancer, typically adenocarcinoma, originates in the uterine lining. It often develops silently, with no clear symptoms, easily mistaken for common gynecological issues. Common signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding (outside the menstrual cycle or after menopause) and unusual vaginal discharge. In later stages, urinary problems, anemia, weight loss, and back pain can occur. "Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause is a common sign in women diagnosed with endometrial cancer," Dr. Yen explained.

Dr. Kim Yen advises women to have regular gynecological check-ups. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Dr. Kim Yen advises women to have regular gynecological check-ups. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Endometrial cancer primarily affects postmenopausal women (over 75%), typically between the ages of 55 and 65. Risk factors include obesity and anovulatory cycles (menstruation without ovulation). Other risk factors include nulliparity (never having given birth), early onset of menstruation, late menopause, estrogen replacement therapy, prolonged estrogen imbalance, family history of ovarian or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, and treatment with tamoxifen.

Early detection and treatment, while the tumor is confined to the uterus, result in a 5-year survival rate of approximately 90%. The survival rate decreases with metastasis: 36-57% for vaginal-pelvic spread and 20% for distant metastasis. Regular gynecological check-ups and prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms are crucial for prevention.

Tue Diem

*The patient's name has been changed.