Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is pretty common among women in the U.S. It usually shows up after menopause. The uterus is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. This type of cancer starts inside this organ.
There are two kinds of this cancer. One begins in the uterus lining, called endometrial. The other, uterine sarcoma, starts in the uterus muscle. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatment choices is key.
Symptoms can be different for everyone. They might include bleeding after menopause, strange discharge, pelvic pain, pain with sex, or trouble peeing. Finding out early is important for a good outcome.
Doctors can use many tests to check for uterine cancer. These include exams, ultrasounds, and special checks of the uterus lining. They help figure out how far the cancer has spread.
Treatments are varied, from removing the cancer by surgery to using drugs. What’s best depends on the patient’s health and the cancer’s stage. The goal is always to get rid of the cancer.
Key Takeaways:
- Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the United States.
- It shows up after menopause and forms in the uterus.
- Its signs can include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight loss.
- Doctors use many tests to diagnose it, including ultrasounds and biopsies.
- Treatment options range from surgery to targeted drugs.
Types of Uterine Cancer
There are two main types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Knowing the difference is key to getting the right treatment.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common type. It starts in the uterus’s lining, affecting mostly postmenopausal women. Hormonal imbalances and obesity can raise the risk.
Symptoms include odd vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during sex. If you have these signs, see a doctor for checks and care.
Uterine Sarcoma
Uterine sarcoma is rare, making up just 5% of cases. It comes from the uterus’s muscle or connective tissues.
It can be more aggressive than endometrial cancer. Women aged from 40 to 60 are often diagnosed. Look out for abdominal pain, a pelvic mass, and unusual vaginal bleeding. If you notice these, visiting a doctor is important for a full check-up.
Knowing if it’s endometrial or sarcoma is crucial for treatment. They require different care plans. Therefore, a correct diagnosis is vital for the best treatment.
| Type of Uterine Cancer | Description | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Endometrial Cancer | Develops in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) | 95% of uterine cancer cases |
| Uterine Sarcoma | Originates in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus | 5% of uterine cancer cases |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is a serious health issue. It requires early diagnosis and the right treatment. Catching it early is key for better treatment success. Doctors use tests to check the cancer’s stage and find the best treatment path.
Diagnosis
First, doctors will do a pelvic exam. This checks the health of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. They may also do a transvaginal ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries. A hysteroscopy allows them to look inside the uterus with a tiny camera. An endometrial biopsy takes a small piece of the uterus lining for testing. Another test, dilation and curettage, scrapes tissue from the uterus lining for more examination.
These tests help doctors understand the cancer’s stage and severity. This knowledge guides the treatment plan they choose for each patient.
Treatment
The treatment for uterine cancer can involve surgery. This often means removing the uterus through a procedure called a hysterectomy. Other organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lymph nodes might also need removal.
- Radiation therapy: Doctors sometimes use high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be given from the outside or put inside the body.
- Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to attack and kill cancer cells. These drugs can be given by mouth or through a vein.
- Hormone therapy: Some cancers respond to hormones. Doctors can use this treatment to stop these hormones from helping cancer cells to grow.
- Targeted drugs: These medications focus on the specific proteins or genetic changes that help cancer cells survive and grow. They attack these weaknesses directly.
The best treatment is decided by the cancer’s type and stage, the patient’s health, and their choice. Every treatment can have side effects. But, doctors can help manage these with special care and regular check-ups.
| Treatment Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Surgery | The main surgical treatment for uterine cancer. It involves the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and may include the removal of other pelvic organs or lymph nodes. |
| Radiation Therapy | The use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy). |
| Chemotherapy | The use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally or through intravenous infusion. |
| Hormone Therapy | Treatment that blocks or reduces the effects of hormones on cancer cells. Hormone therapy is commonly used for hormone-receptor positive uterine cancers. |
| Targeted Drugs | Medications that specifically target certain proteins or genetic mutations in cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and spread. |
Conclusion
Uterine cancer affects many women after menopause. There are two main types: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Doctors use different tests like pelvic exams and ultrasounds to diagnose it. The treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread.
Spotting uterine cancer early can make a big difference. For cancers found early, 95 out of 100 women can survive five years or more. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Which treatment to choose depends on the cancer’s type and stage, your health, and what you prefer.
Knowing the signs of uterine cancer is important. These signs include bleeding after menopause, odd vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, pain when having sex, and losing weight without trying. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor right away. It could help catch the cancer early and get treatment sooner.