Uterine Cancer
See also:
Endometrial Cancer
What is it?
Uterine cancer is cancer that begins in
the lining of the uterus, called the
endometrium.
Who gets it?
Uterine cancer is the most common type
of cancer of the female reproductive
organs and the fourth most common cancer
in women. It is more common after
menopause, between the ages of 50 and 60,
but can occur in younger women. Women at
higher risk for developing uterine cancer
are those who have never been pregnant,
eat a high fat diet, have taken high doses
of estrogen without progestin or tamoxifen
(a drug used to treat and prevent breast
cancer), are obese, have high blood
pressure, or have diabetes. Those with a
family history of this disease or colon,
ovary, or breast cancer are also more
likely to develop uterine cancer. Other
risk factors include early start of
menstruation and/or late start of
menopause, and menstrual disorders such as
heavy bleeding and irregular periods.
What causes it?
The uterus, also known as the womb, is
located in the pelvis, at the top of the
vagina between the bladder and the rectum.
Uterine cancer occurs when malignant cells
grow in the endometrium. What causes this
growth is not known, but the risk factors
are (see “Who gets it?” above). It appears
to be stimulated by the presence of high
levels of estrogen without enough
progesterone.
What are the symptoms?
Women with uterine cancer will
experience unexplained vaginal bleeding,
which may be accompanied by lower
abdominal pain and/or pain during sexual
intercourse. If the woman has not yet gone
through menopause, she may have heavy
menstrual bleeding or bleeding between
periods. Symptoms may also appear as a
watery, blood-tinged discharge.
Endometrial cancer usually grows slowly.
How is it diagnosed?
There’s a good chance of an early
diagnosis of uterine cancer because it has
very noticeable symptoms in the beginning
stages. Your gynecologist will perform a
pelvic exam and study your medical
history. He or she can take a small sample
of endometrial tissue, called a biopsy, in
the office so the lining of your uterus
can be examined under a microscope. You
may need to have other tests to confirm
the diagnosis. These may include a
surgical procedure called a dilation and
curettage (D & C). With a D & C, the
cervix is stretched open and an instrument
called a curet is used to remove a sample
of the uterine lining. Your doctor may
want to take a closer look at the uterus
through an ultrasound or hysteroscopy. The
hysteroscopy allows the doctor to look
inside the uterus through a thin, flexible
tube inserted through the vagina. Your
doctor may also order blood tests and
other procedures to determine the stage of
the cancer. While a Pap smear does not
usually detect uterine cancer, your doctor
may order these types of tests if you have
abnormal Pap smear results.
What is the treatment?
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of
the uterus, is the primary treatment for
uterine cancer. Removing the uterus as
well as the fallopian tubes and ovaries
can cure uterine cancer that has not
spread. This procedure is called bilateral
salpingo-oophorectomy. The surgeon will
also remove some lymph nodes near the
cancer site to determine if the cancer has
spread. Additional treatments, such as
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone
therapy, or a combination of the three,
are required for more widespread cancer.
Self-care tips
Early detection can lead to a
successful cure of uterine cancer. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience
any type of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Yearly gynecological exams and Pap smears
are extremely important to your health.
You can also help maintain good health by
following a diet high in fiber and low in
saturated fats, getting regular exercise,
and controlling your weight and blood
pressure. It is important to note that,
for many women, the benefits of taking
tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast
cancer may outweigh the risk of developing
uterine cancer.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
