This term describes a benign thickening (hyperplasia) of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Possible symptoms are altered uterine bleeding (heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, bleeding between actual periods or bleeding after menopause).
Endometrial hyperplasia is not a cancer of the uterine lining, it is rather considered a precancerous stage. Despite the fact that treatment is usually limited to medication (progestogens), scraping of the endometrium and regular check-ups (none is harmful to the germ cells), proper counselling should still be sought regarding the future planning of a pregnancy. This is mainly relevant because of potential delay in conception due to the necessary treatment which may lead to a reduction in fertility over time.
The endometrial carcinoma describes a malignant change in the lining of the uterus.
Chemotherapy is not necessary in the early stages. Current data on endometrial carcinoma and the risk of uterine preservation in women with an urgent desire to have children are limited. The assessment of fertility preservation in endometrial cancer requires an individual counselling and decision-making.
One way to facilitate the patient’s decision after the consultation regarding fertility preservation measures is the “Decision Aid” linked here.
It is a digital aid for decision-making developed by psychologists, psychotherapists and reproductive physicians.
One way to facilitate the patient’s decision after the consultation regarding fertility-preserving measures is the “Decision Aid” linked here. This digital decision aid has been developed by psychologists, psychotherapists and reproductive physicians and might help in an individual situation.
Detailed information and a bibliography can be found in the FertiPROTEKT booklet “Indikation und Durchführung fertilitätsprotektiver Maßnahmen bei onkologischen und nicht-onkologischen Erkrankungen”, 2nd revised edition 2020, which was written by members of the FertiPROTEKT Netzwerk e.V. and is available free of charge (in German).
(Chap. 2.6)
An english version can be bought: Fertility Preservation in Oncological and Non-Oncological Diseases a practical guide by Michael von Wolff & Frank Nawroth ISBN 978-3-030-47567-3 from Springer.com
Part II.VI page 85 ff
