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| ==Causes== | | ==Causes== |
| Most women with endometrial cancer have a history of unopposed and increased levels of [[estrogen]]. One of estrogen's normal functions is to stimulate the buildup of the [[endometrial]] lining of the uterus. Excess estrogen activity, especially in the setting of insufficient [[progesterone]], may produce [[endometrial hyperplasia]], which can be a precursor for cancer.
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| Increased estrogen may be due to:
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| * obesity (> 30 lb or 14 kg overweight)
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| * exogenous (medication)
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| The incidence of endometrial cancer in women in the [[United States|U.S.]] is 1 % to 2 %. The incidence peaks between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but 2 % to 5 % of cases may occur before the age of 40 years. Increased risk of developing endometrial cancer has been noted in women with increased levels of natural estrogen.
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| Associated conditions include the following:
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| *[[obesity]]
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| *[[hypertension]]
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| *[[polycystic ovary syndrome]]
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| Increased risk is also associated with the following:
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| *nulliparity (never having carried a pregnancy)
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| *[[infertility]] (inability to become pregnant)
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| *early [[menarche]] (onset of menstruation)
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| *late [[menopause]] (cessation of menstruation)
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| Women who have a history of [[uterine polyp|endometrial polyp]]s or other benign growths of the uterine lining, postmenopausal women who use [[estrogen-replacement therapy]] (specifically if not given in conjunction with periodic [[progestin]]) and those with [[diabetes]] are also at increased risk.
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| [[Tamoxifen]], a drug used to treat [[breast cancer]], can also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
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| The same risk factors predisposes women to endometrial [[hyperplasia]], which is a precursor lesion for endometrial carcinoma. An atypical complex hyperplasia carries a 30% risk of developing endometrial carcinoma, while a typical simple hyperplasia only carries a 2-3% risk.
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| ==References== | | ==References== |