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Uterine cancer includes the more common endometrial cancer as well as the rarer uterine sarcoma. It may present with symptoms such as bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. Treatment options include chemotherapy or, in advanced stages, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer, as it originates from the cells of the endometrium the innermost layer of the uterine wall. Other types of uterine cancer originate from tissues forming the uterine wall.
The uterus is a part of the female reproductive organ, where the embryo-fetus grows and develops throughout the pregnancy. The uterus, which looks like a face-down pear, lies between the bladder and the rectum. It continues with the vagina at the caudal side, and Fallon tubes that extend to the ovaries are located in the right and left horns of the womb.
The uterus has three layers: the endometrium, which lines the uterine cavity and hosts secretory glands; the myometrium, the middle layer of muscles; and the perimetrium, the outermost membrane.
What are The Risk Factors?
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in women, with its exact cause remaining unknown. Risk factors contribute to an increased likelihood of developing the disease. Hormonal changes and lifestyle variations play a significant role in the development of this cancer type.
The risk factors of the uterine cancer are as follows:
- Changes in the balance of the female sex hormone,
- Early onset of menstruation,
- Never having get pregnant,
- Age,
- Obesity,
- Hormone therapy for breast cancer
- Genetic factors,
- Some dietary factors
What are the Symptoms of Uterine cancer?
The symptoms of uterine cancer can easily be mistaken for those of other conditions, particularly cancers affecting the reproductive organs. Irregular vaginal bleeding or pain may be listed among the key symptoms of uterine cancer. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the appropriate treatment.
Possible symptoms of the uterus cancer are as follows:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause,
- Abnormal bleeding, spotting
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles,
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain,
- Unknown and unintended weight loss,
- Advanced stage uterine cancer, if spreads, may cause more symptoms.
How is Uterine Cancer Diagnosed?
A woman with symptoms suggestive of uterine cancer should immediately visit her doctor. If health history, family history, physical examination, and pelvic examination point to suspicious findings, further investigation will be planned.
- Initially, your doctor may consider a transvaginal ultrasound that uses an ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina. Thus, it may be possible to collect preliminary information about the characteristics and thickness of the endometrium.
- Your doctor may employ hysteroscopy to learn the origin of the suspicious findings. A thin and flexible tube is advanced into the uterine cavity through the vaginal canal, and the innermost wall of the uterine cavity is examined after the cavity is filled in with saline. Biopsy specimens can be collected from areas that lead to suspicion during the procedure.
- Suppose the limited hysteroscopic biopsy sample cannot provide definitive information about the diagnosis. In that case, tissue specimens are collected by dilatation and curettage (D&C) from more significant areas of the interior uterine wall. Cancer cells are searched by examining these specimens under a microscope.
How is Uterine Cancer Treated?
After a definitive diagnosis, the first step is to determine the stage of the cancer whether it is confined to the uterus or has spread to surrounding or distant tissues. Cancer is classified from Stage I to Stage IV, with Stage IV being the most advanced. Treatment decisions are made based on stage, age, overall health, and patient preferences.
Treatment options for uterine cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. These methods may be applied alone or in combination.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The medication may be administered intravenously through a catheter or orally. Treatment is given in cycles, alternating between treatment and rest periods.
- In early-stage cancers, chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery to improve outcomes.
- In advanced cases, it helps reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival.
- Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, hair loss, and digestive problems. Doctors manage these side effects and may adjust the treatment if needed.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy aims to stop the growth of endometrial cancer cells by giving progesterone and lowering estrogen levels in the body. This approach is often used for cancers that respond to hormones.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
- External radiotherapy: Radiation beams are directed from outside the body.
- Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed directly inside the uterus using a needle or catheter.
- Radiotherapy may be used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells or combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy). Side effects vary depending on the treatment area.
Surgery
The most common surgical treatment is hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). In some cases, the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are also removed
- Removing the uterus prevents future pregnancies.
- Removing the ovaries causes menopause.
- Additionally, lymph nodes may be removed and examined to assess cancer spread.
Asking your doctor about treatment options, life after treatment, rehabilitation, pain control, and possible clinical trials will help you engage actively in your care and reduce uncertainty.
How Can Uterine Cancer Be Prevented?
The first step of treatment should be alleviating risk factors that help the onset of the disease. Weight control, healthy nutrition, careful use of hormones after menopause, reasonable use of birth control pills, and regular exercise are preventive measures that the patient should apply before getting sick. It is thought that birth control pills reduce the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Cancer
What are the warning signs of uterine cancer?
Vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods or during menopause, pelvic pain, and bleeding after sexual intercourse are among the most common warning signs of uterine cancer.
Is cancer of the uterus treatable?
When diagnosed at an early stage, uterine cancer can be treated with methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.
What age do people get uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer is most commonly seen after menopause, particularly in women aged 50 and above. However, depending on risk factors, it may also occur at younger ages.
What does stage 1 uterine cancer feel like?
In stage 1 uterine cancer, there may be no obvious symptoms. However, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting is often one of the first warning signs.
Which department should be consulted for uterine cancer?
The diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer are managed collaboratively by the Gynecology department and the Oncology department.
