Type 1 or 2

Hi Linda,  when you have a biopsy they take some of the suspect area for examination. The biopsy tells them how different the cells look from normal cells and they are graded as to how different they look. Grade 1 means they look very similar to normal cells, so this is good news! When you have a hysterectomy everything is sent to the pathology lab and here they determine how far the abnormal cells have spread. This is  called the Stage.  You don’t usually find out the Stage until two or three weeks after your op, so more of the waiting game then.

here is a link to the different Grades and Stages on this website https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/womb-cancer/staging-and-grading-of-womb-cancer

I hope this is of some help, there is so much to take when you are still reeling from the initial diagnosis!

Viv x

Hi Linda,  I'm sure I am not the only person who never knew that there was more than one type of womb cancer until I was told I had it !  Then I discovered that after the biopsy they can identify the type and that Type 1 is the most common and also the most easily treated.   

Thank you ladies it's just so much to take in and I find this group a great help as I don't want to keep ringing my nurse even though she told me too. Like Anne said i never knew there was more than one womb cancer At the moment I feel i can't talk to anyone face to face or on the phone so coming on here is so good for me many thanks Linda xx

Hi Anne, I've just read your bio and so pleasing to read.  So glad you are now just under the care of your GP.  

May I ask as I too have the same type of womb cancer as you (Stage 1a endometrioid endometrial carcinoma) (grade 1) and as this is linked to excess oestrogen do you have any advice to share regarding how you kept your oestrogen to low levels after your diagnosis?  I plan to do that to hopefully reduce the risk of a recurrence.  

I've never been a big alcohol drinker but I have decided to go teetotal unless going out on special occasions and may treat myself to a glass of wine.  Have you changed your diet?  I don't have dairy in my diet and don't eat red meat so again nothing to change with that too xx 

Linda, the different words can be confusing, and I wasn’t aware at the start,  but there are three different terms to grasp and they refer to three different things:

- TYPE

- GRADE

- STAGE 

You’ve already been given a link above for grade and stage, but here’s a link explaining type:

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/womb-cancer/types-of-womb-cancer

Type is not the same as grade or stage. Type 1 endometrial cancers can be grade 1 or grade 2.

Hi Sarah16

I was well past the menopause, so my oestrogen levels were probably minimal anyway.  Even so, for a short while I feel my temperature control was a bit off and I did feel my hair and skin seemed to suffer. Overall I haven't really changed my way of life other than trying to reduce my blood pressure and cholesterol by a sensible diet and being reasonably active.  Moderation in all things!

Hi will they be able to tell my stage without a hysterectomy as I don't think they will offer me one as I'm obese 

Linda

Sorry Linda, I don’t know the answer to that. They can get an idea from ct and mri scans I believe,  it sometimes the grades and stages are then revised after the op.

Mine is also linked to excess oestrogen. I'm overweight, so that would account for it probably. My radiotherapy finishes on 22 February, so I've signed up to Cancer Research's Walk all over Cancer campaign, and I've pledged to walk 10,000 steps every day in March to raise money for the charity. I figure that will kick start my weight loss.  I eat a lot of dairy because of osteoporosis, but I eat much less red meat now. I still have a glass of wine with dinner though.