What is uterine cancer?
Cancer of the uterus or uterine cancer is the growth of malignant tumor cells in the uterus. The most common type of uterine cancer is cancer of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. Another less common type of uterine cancer is sarcoma, which affects the soft tissue of the uterus.
Prognosis of the disease
Statistically, uterine cancer mainly affects women between the ages of 50 and 70. It is rare for women under the age of 50 to be diagnosed with uterine cancer.
If the cancer is found in its early stages, when it is still limited to the uterine epithelium, survival rates are between 72% and 95%. However, the later it is diagnosed, the more it will have spread and the more difficult it will be to treat. Hence, it is crucial to be screened periodically for early detection.
Symptoms of uterine cancer
The main symptom of uterine cancer, in its early stages, is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Any vaginal bleeding between menses is considered unusual. Other symptoms may include painful intercourse, pain in the pelvic area, bladder pain or problems with urination.
Medical tests for uterine cancer
To diagnose uterine cancer, the specialist must examine the patient’s medical history. A gynecological examination will then be performed during which, normally, a transvaginal ultrasound will be performed. Transvaginal ultrasound is a scan that shows the uterine cavity using a small transducer. If the diagnosis is still unclear further tests may need to be performed, which may include:
- Hysteroscopy. This is an endoscopic examination of the inner lining of the uterus. During the test a sample of the lining will be taken in order to analyze it.
- MRI of the pelvic area, to see how far the tumor has spread.
- Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) of the abdominal area, to analyze whether or not the tumor may have spread to the lungs.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which will show exactly where the tumor is and how it is evolving.
What are the causes of uterine cancer?
To date, the cause of uterine cancer is not entirely clear. According to some studies, higher levels of estrogen in the patient’s body, combined with lower levels of progesterone, could be one of the main causes of uterine cancer. Statistically it has been shown that women with such hormonal combination are more affected by uterine cancer. Other risk factors may include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Menopause
- Lynch Syndrome
- Smoking
- Weakened immune system due to other treatments
- Human Papilloma Virus
Can it be prevented?
At the moment there are no certain steps to take to prevent uterine cancer. However, a healthy lifestyle and diet are always recommended.
Treatments for uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is mainly treated by surgery. The technique usually chosen is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique by which the uterus and surrounding organs (fallopian tubes, ovaries and lymph nodes) are removed.
If the tumor is more advanced or doctors fear that the cancer may recur, chemotherapy or other therapies may also be recommended after surgery.
If the patient cannot start chemotherapy, hormone therapy is an effective alternative. In more severe cases of recurrent cancer, the specialist may recommend that the patient undergo radiation therapy instead of surgery.
Which specialist treats it?
The best professional to diagnose any condition of the uterus, including tumors, is the specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics. Also, the actual treatment of uterine cancer is addressed by interventional radiologists, oncologists and surgeons, depending on which treatment is indicated.