Uterine cancer
Definition
Uterine cancers are the cancers of uterus. There are many types of uterine cancers uterine sarcomas, endometrial cancer, gestational trophoblastic disease and cervical cancer.
Endometrial cancer is the cancer of endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
Alternative names
Uterine sarcomas, Endometrial cancer, Gestational trophoblastic disease, Cervical cancer, Endometrial/uterine adenocarcinoma, Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium/uterus, Cancer-uterine, Cancer-endometrial, Uterine corpus cancer
Causes, incidence and risk factors
The cause for uterine cancer is not known but increased estrogen level is related to endometrial cancer. Estrogen stimulates building of cells lining the uterus.
Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, early menarche, late menopause, hyperplasia, endometrial hyperplasia, benign growths in uterine, uterine polyps, infertility, high estrogen levels, never became preganant, polycystic ovary syndrome, high intake of animal fat and alcohol, tamoxifen (drug for the treatment of brease cancer), pelvic radiation therapy, breast cancer, colon cancer and ovarial cancer are the risk factors for endometrial cancer.
Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding, vaginal spotting and vaginal discharge in post menopausal women; extremely long, heavy, frequent vaginal bleeding above the age of 40 years; bleeding between the periods; pain in lower abdomen, pain during intercourse, weight loss (unintentional), cramps in pelvic area and anemia (due to loss of large amount of blood due to frequent and heavy bleeding) are the symptoms of endometrial cancer.
Signs and tests
Endometrial cancer is diagnosed on the basis of physical examination, pap smear, endometrial curettage, dilation and curettage, hysteroscopy, biopsy or aspiration of the endometrium and transvaginal ultrasound. If found positive for endometrial cancer, then further tests may be done to find out the extent of spread (staging).
Treatment
Treatment of endometrial cancer consists of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. These treatments are given singly or in combination depending on the stage of the cancer. Hysterectomy is done for stage I cancers. Hysterectomy through abdomen is preferred instead of through vagina. Chemotherapy is given for cancers of stage three and four.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Uterine cancers are diagnosed in early stages therefore the prognosis is good with early treatment. Prognosis of endometrial cancer is good than other types of gynecological cancers.
Complications
Anemia due to bleeding is the most common complication of endometrial cancer. Cancer may spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Other complications may occur during diagnostic procedure or treatment. There may be perforation of uterus during dilatation and curettage or taking biopsy. Complications may occur due to hysterectomy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Calling your health care provide
If there are symptoms or risk factors or both then it is better to rush to the health care provider immediately.
Prevention
Regular pelvic examination, Pap smear and endometrial biopsy can prevent endometrial cancer. Women on regular estrogen replacement therapy should undergo these examinations regularly to prevent endometrial cancer. Maintaining healthy weight, exercise, taking oral contraceptives can prevent endometrial cancer.
Reference
Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com