Final answer:
Less than 5% of women with endometrial cancer are asymptomatic because symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding usually prompt medical evaluation, leading to diagnosis. Unlike cervical cancer screening with Pap smears, there is no regular screening for endometrial cancer, making symptomatic detection more common.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to note that endometrial cancer pertains to the lining of the uterus, while cervical cancer affects the cervix, and endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Despite this, the concepts related to asymptomatic presentation can be similar across these conditions.
Why <5% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer are asymptomatic is that most cases are detected due to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, which prompts medical evaluation. However, some women may not experience noticeable symptoms, especially in early stages. This asymptomatic nature can occur due to the tumor's location, slower growth, or a patient's threshold for noticing changes in their body.
Regular screening exams, like Pap smears, are critical for cervical cancer but are not typically used for endometrial cancer detection. While Pap smears may occasionally detect abnormal endometrial cells, they primarily screen for cervical cancer. Additionally, symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding typically appear early in endometrial cancer, prompting investigation and diagnosis, whereas cervical cancer often presents symptoms at more advanced stages.