Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis

Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the endometrium, with higher incidence particularly among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. If not detected and treated early, the tumor may quickly invade the myometrium, cervix, lymph nodes, or even distant organs. Clinical confirmation mainly relies on ultrasound, endometrial sampling, and pathological examination, supplemented by MRI and tumor markers to determine staging.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination (Preferred Initial Screening Method)
Transvaginal ultrasound is the first step in screening for endometrial cancer. It can evaluate endometrial thickness, morphology, and abnormal echoes. When postmenopausal endometrial thickness exceeds 5mm, endometrial abnormalities should be highly suspected, requiring further examination.

2. Endometrial Sampling (Core Diagnostic Method)
Endometrial aspiration (Pipelle sampling) or curettage to obtain tissue is the "gold standard" for confirming endometrial cancer. Pathological analysis of the submitted tissue clarifies histological type and differentiation grade of the tumor, serving as an important basis for determining treatment.

3. Hysteroscopy (Direct Visualization of Lesions)
Hysteroscopy allows direct observation of intrauterine endometrial lesions and guides targeted sampling, especially suitable for irregular or focal lesions. It provides high accuracy, helps evaluate the extent of lesions and their relationship with the cervical canal, and supports preoperative assessment.

4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Assessment of Invasion Depth)
MRI is especially critical in preoperative assessment, precisely determining whether the tumor has invaded the myometrium, cervix, or adjacent organs, and whether lymph node metastasis is present. It is an important basis for staging diagnosis. The depth of myometrial invasion directly affects surgical choice and prognosis.

5. CT Scan (Auxiliary Assessment of Metastasis)
CT is mainly used to check for enlarged lymph nodes or distant metastases in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. For advanced cases or those highly suspected of metastasis, CT provides panoramic chest, abdominal, and pelvic imaging, aiding comprehensive evaluation.

6. Tumor Marker Detection (Auxiliary Evaluation)
Tumor markers such as CA125 and HE4 may be elevated in endometrial cancer. Although their sensitivity and specificity are relatively low, they have reference value in postoperative recurrence monitoring and evaluation of treatment effects. They can also serve as auxiliary screening tools for high-risk patients.

7. Genetic Testing and Molecular Typing (Precision Medicine Aid)
Some institutions have begun molecular typing analysis of endometrial cancer, such as POLE mutations and p53 status, to guide adjuvant treatment choices. Genetic profiling helps identify subtypes with good or poor prognosis and represents a future trend.

8. Staging System (FIGO Staging)
After diagnosis, tumors must be staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) standards, ranging from stage I to stage IV, reflecting the extent of invasion and metastasis. Staging determines treatment strategy—stage I can usually be cured surgically, while stages III-IV require multimodal treatment.

9. Multidisciplinary Team Consultation (MDT) (Formulation of Comprehensive Plans)
After diagnosis, a multidisciplinary evaluation involving gynecologic oncology, imaging, pathology, radiotherapy, and cell therapy experts should be carried out. MDT meetings develop individualized treatment plans, especially for high-risk or complex cases, which helps improve therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

Experts from United Life International Medical Center emphasize that if endometrial cancer is detected early, the cure rate can be significantly improved. Women who experience abnormal uterine bleeding should seek medical care promptly and undergo multiple examinations including imaging and histology. Timely diagnosis can create favorable conditions for new treatments such as immune reconstruction cell therapy.