What is the single most common presenting symptom of endometrial carcinoma?
- A Profuse watery vaginal discharge
- B Lower abdominal pain
- C Abnormal uterine bleeding ✓
- D Postcoital spotting
Correct answer: C. Abnormal uterine bleeding
Explanation
About 90 percent of women with endometrial carcinoma present with abnormal uterine bleeding, most often postmenopausal bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal women. This early warning symptom explains the relatively good survival compared with ovarian cancer, which lacks such an early signal. Postmenopausal discharge occurs later with pyometra or haematometra, and pain indicates advanced disease. Postcoital spotting suggests a cervical lesion rather than an endometrial one.
Reference: Williams Gynecology, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.