Live Life Team
Cancer of the uterus is also referred to as uterine cancer. Uterus or the womb is a part of female reproductive system where foetal development takes place. Most uterine cancers are an endometrial cancer which means the cancer has developed in the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus is referred to as the endomitrium.
Endometrial cancer is common in women who have been through menopause. Usually women between the age group of 45-70 are affected.uterine cancer can be treated if detected early.
Cancers that start in the muscle of the womb(Sarcomas) are very rare. the most is the adenocarcinomas. Endomtrioid adenocarcinoma, papillary serous carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma are the three types of adenocarcinoma.
Causes
The causes of Uterine cancer have not been identified. However certain risk factors have been identified which can increase the chances of one getting uterine cancer.
Some of the risk factors are:
- Women between the age group of 50 and 70 are usually affected.
- Women who have never been pregnant are under high risk of uterine diseases because of prolonged presence of oestrogen in the body.
- Women who have had late menopause are also at high risk.
- Women receiving hormone replacement therapy are also at risk.
- Women taking treatment with tamoxifen for breast cancer.
- Women who are over weight, having high blood pressure and diabetes are also at risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Pain in abdomen.
- Bleeding during urinating.
- constipation
- weight loss.
- Another common symptom is bleeding from the vagina after menopause which is not seen under normal conditions.
It is important to do confirmatory tests since thsese symptoms are also seen in other conditions such as fibroids.
Diagnosis
There are no standard techniques for diagnosing uterine cancers.
Biopsy of the uterus lining is done to check for abnormal cells.
Other tests that are commonly used for the detection of uterine cancer are:
Ultrasound scans.
Hysteroscopy where in the doctor examines the inside of vagina.
CT (computerised tomogtaphy) scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Blood tests.
Treatment
Before the treatment is started it is important to know the stage of cancer. This will help the doctor to decide on proper treatment.
If the cancer is detected early this type of cancer can be cured by hysterectomy where in the uterus and ovaries are removed.
Radiotherapy is used along with this to prevent cancer from coming back.
Medroxyprogestrone acetate is also used in the treatment.
Chemotherapy is used in rare cases.
Recovery
Certain psychological problems such as depression are observed in some women. Taking medical help is advised in such cases
