Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus, which is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Uterine cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and can often be treated successfully if it is caught early. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of uterine cancer. We will also provide information on how you can get screened for uterine cancer if you are concerned about your risk of developing this disease.
What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus, which is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy.
The uterus is made up of two types of tissue: the inner lining called the endometrium, and the outer layer of muscle, called the myometrium. Uterine cancer usually begins in the endometrium and is therefore also known as endometrial cancer.
Uterine cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. In the United States, it is the fourth most common type of cancer in women, after skin cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Each year, more than 50,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with uterine cancer, and approximately 11,000 women die from the disease.
Stages of uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is typically diagnosed at an early stage when it is still confined to the uterus. However, in some cases, cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lymph nodes. When this happens, it is said to be at a more advanced stage.
There are four main stages of uterine cancer:
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the uterus.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to the pelvis or abdomen but not to other parts of the body.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.
What causes uterine cancer?
The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, but several risk factors can increase a woman’s chance of developing the disease. These include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Taking estrogen without progesterone (hormone replacement therapy)
- Having a history of endometrial hyperplasia (a condition in which the endometrium becomes thickened due to an imbalance of hormones)
- Having a family history of uterine cancer
- Having a personal history of ovarian or breast cancer
What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina. This may be heavy bleeding, bleeding that occurs between periods, or bleeding after menopause. Other symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can determine the cause. While these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, they could also be indicative of uterine cancer.
How is uterine cancer diagnosed?
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will visually inspect the vagina and uterus for any abnormalities. They may also take a Pap smear, which is a test that looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.
If the doctor suspects that you may have uterine cancer, they will likely order a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the uterus and examined for cancerous cells.
How is uterine cancer treated?
Treatment for uterine cancer often depends on the stage of the disease. If the cancer is caught early, it may be treated with a hysterectomy, which is a surgery to remove the uterus. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed.
If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, more aggressive treatment options may be necessary. These can include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
How can uterine cancer be prevented?
There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing uterine cancer. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Not smoking
You should also speak to your doctor about your risk factors and whether you should take any steps to reduce your risk.
Conclusion
Uterine cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one that can be treated effectively if it is caught early. By knowing the symptoms and risk factors, you can be proactive in protecting yourself from this disease. If you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding or other symptoms, be sure to see your doctor so that they can determine the cause. With early detection and treatment, uterine cancer is a disease that can be beaten.
