Can endometrial cancer be diagnosed without symptoms?
Yes, endometrial hyperplasia and thickening can occur without symptoms, especially in postmenopausal women. It's often discovered during imaging tests like ultrasounds done for other reasons.
Your 1.2 cm (12 mm) endometrial thickness is above the typical postmenopausal Show Full Answer
Can endometrial cancer be diagnosed without symptoms?
Yes, endometrial hyperplasia and thickening can occur without symptoms, especially in postmenopausal women. It's often discovered during imaging tests like ultrasounds done for other reasons.
Your 1.2 cm (12 mm) endometrial thickness is above the typical postmenopausal range. For postmenopausal women without bleeding, anything over 11 mm warrants further investigation, as it carries about a 7 percent cancer risk. What to expect with your gynecologic oncologist:
Your doctor will likely recommend additional tests to examine the thickened tissue and polyp more closely. Common next steps include:
* Endometrial biopsy - A small tissue sample taken from your uterine lining to check for cancer cells under a microscope
* Hysteroscopy - A thin tube with a camera inserted through the vagina and cervix to look directly inside your uterus
* Dilation and curettage (D&C) - A minor procedure where tissue is scraped from the uterine lining for examination
These tests help confirm whether you have endometrial hyperplasia, determine if cells look normal or atypical, and rule out or diagnose cancer. The polyp will also be evaluated during these procedures.
February 17
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