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A pelvic examination is frequently normal, especially in the early stages of disease. Changes in the size, shape or consistency of the uterus or its surrounding, supporting structures may exist when the disease is more advanced.
- A Pap smear may be either normal or show abnormal cellular changes.
- Endometrial aspiration or biopsy may assist the diagnosis.
- A dilation and curettage (D and C ) procedure may be necessary for diagnosing and evaluating the cancer.
Stages of endometrial cancer:
- The cancer is confined to the uterine body.
- The cancer involves the uterine body and the cervix, but does not extend any farther.
- The cancer extends outside of the uterus but not beyond the true pelvis (gynecological organs). Cancer may involve the lymph nodes in the pelvis or near the aorta (the major artery in the abdomen).
- The cancer has either spread to the inner surface of the bowel or bladder, or has spread beyond the true pelvis into the abdomen or to distant organs.
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