The uterus forms part of a woman’s reproductive system. During pregnancy, the baby will grow in the uterus. It has a top part, called the body, which is where uterine cancerdevelops. The lower part is the cervix – cancer that forms here is referred to as cervical cancer.
The endometrium is the inside layer of the uterus. When pregnancy occurs, the endometrium thickens as the body produces estrogen. If there is no pregnancy, the menstrual cycle causes progesterone to be produced, and the endometrium sheds its lining, causing the menstrual bleed.
Most risk factors for endometrial cancer are related to the balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Things such as morbid obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome or some estrogentherapies can affect this balance. Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder, is also a risk factor butis not related to hormones.
Other risk factors can include:
Other conditions that increase risk:
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in the UAE, and the most common cancer that affects the female reproductive system.
The exact cause of uterine cancer is not yet known, butthere a number of risk factors (listed above) that put you atan increased risk. If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor to find out whatyou can do to decrease your risk.
The symptomsof uterine cancer can be s imilar to lots of other conditions, especially those thataffect the reproductive organs. If you have an unusual pain, discharge or bleeding, always talk to your doctor. A timely and accurate diagnosis is very important to ensure you get the right treatment.
Symptoms include:
If you visit your doctor with any of the symptoms of uterine cancer, they will discuss the symptoms with you in details, and ask aboutany risk factors that you may have, including family history. They will then perform a physical exam, including an exam of your pelvic area.
There are a number of tests that your doctor may perform to confirm a diagnosis of uterine cancer. These include:
Lab tests:
Imaging tests:
Other tests:
Please note, a pap test can detect abnormal cells on the cervix only. It cannot screen for, or be used to diagnose, uterine cancer.
If endometrial cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will need to know which type it is, so they can decide on the best possible treatment.
The exact treatment plan for uterine cancer will depend on the type of cancer you have and your overall health. Treatments mightinclude:
Most women diagnosed with endometrial cancer will need surgery. This is usually a hysterectomy,
which involves a surgeon removing the uterus and cervix. The main types of hysterectomy procedures are:
At the same time as a hysterectomy, a surgeon may also perform two other procedures:
The side effects of surgery for uterine cancer might include infertility and the menopause, along with the symptoms associated with it.
Usually, a single procedure is used to diagnose, stage, and treat uterine sarcoma at the same time.
Treatment options are similar to those for endometrial cancer, with most women having a hysterectomy and a BSO (see above).
After any type of treatment for uterine cancer, your doctor will schedule follow-ups. These are important appointments, where your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and ask you about any possible symptoms, to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned.
Uterine cancer can’t be prevented but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight and controlling diabetes properly. Oral contraceptives might also offer protection against uterine cancer.
There is no screening test for uterine cancer, but if you think you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about regular checks.
Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed at an early stage, as women notice the symptoms such as unusual bleeding. If diagnosed early, and the cancer hasn’t spread to other organs, it can be cured by removing the uterus.
If you notice anything unusual, such as bleeding or spotting, always talk to your doctor.
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala Healthcare, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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