Understanding Uterine Cancer
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, is cancer that starts in the uterus. The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ within the female pelvis where a fetus develops during pregnancy. Uterine cancer happens when cancer cells in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium, grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, creating a tumor.
Types of Uterine Cancer
There are a number of different types of uterine cancer, including:
Endometrial cancer: The most common type, which makes up around 95% of cases. It begins in the lining of the uterus.
Uterine sarcoma: A very rare form that begins in the muscle or support tissues of the uterus.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of uterine cancer is not known, but there are some factors that make it more likely to happen:
Obesity: Excess weight can raise estrogen levels, which can stimulate endometrial cell growth.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Estrogen alone can raise the risk.
Family history: Women with a history of uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer in their family are at increased risk for uterine cancer.
Age: Risk after 50 years.
Reproductive history: Women who began menstruating at an early age or went through menopause at an older age are at increased risk.
Symptoms
Common uterine cancer symptoms are:
Unusual vaginal bleeding: Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, heavy bleeding, or bleeding after menopause.
Pelvic pain: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Unusual discharge: Vaginal discharge.
Diagnosis
Doctors can use the following to diagnose uterine cancer:
Biopsy: Tissue removal from the uterus for examination.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to see the uterus and the tissues nearby.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies with the stage and type of cancer:
Surgery: Hysterectomy or removal of affected tissues.
Radiation therapy: Killing cancer cells using high-energy rays.
Chemotherapy: Targeting cancer cells using drugs.
Hormone therapy: Lowering estrogen levels to reduce cancer growth.
Prevention and Early Detection
Although there’s no sure method of preventing uterine cancer, being of healthy weight, exercising regularly, and controlling hormone replacement therapy can help minimize the risk. Getting regular check-ups and reporting unusual symptoms can diagnose the disease in its early stage when it is easier to treat.
Conclusion
Cancer of the uterus is a severe illness, but with appropriate understanding, diagnosis, and therapy, most women can recover from it. If you notice any symptoms or have concerns, speak to your physician. Early treatment and diagnosis can make a big difference.
