Uterine Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Do you know pelvic pain can be a symptom of uterine cancer? Malignant cell growth in the uterine tissue can lead to the said cancer.

The chances of uterine cancer are higher in obese and menopausal women. Hence, it is important to identify the symptoms and start the necessary treatment.

Keep reading to learn about uterine cancer in women and spread awareness on the same.

Uterine cancer is a common condition occurring in the female reproductive system. It occurs when the healthy cell within the uterus mutates and grows out of control. As a result, these cells form a mass called a tumour.

This tumour can be benign or cancerous. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential since a malignant tumour grows fast and spreads to the other body parts.

To look out for uterine cancer symptoms, you should know the risk factors first.

There are several risk factors of uterine cancer. Nearly 90% of uterine cancers occur in the endometrium.

The increase in obesity can be attributed to the large number of people diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Additionally, the disbalance between progesterone and estrogen levels causes uterine cancer.

Individuals with the below-mentioned conditions are more likely prone to this condition -

• Diabetes
• Earlier radiation therapy to the pelvis 
• Early, late or long menstruation
• Estrogen replacement therapy 
• Family history of uterine cancer
• Issues with reproduction
• Lifestyle choices 
• Lynch syndrome
• Menopausal age
• Obesity 
• Polycystic ovarian
• Use of tamoxifen

Now let’s learn about the uterine cancer types to have detailed information on the said topic.

There are two primary variants of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma

• Uterine sarcoma: It develops in the muscle wall of the uterus or myometrium. You should know that uterine sarcomas are very rare.
• Endometrial cancer: It is the most common uterine cancer variant. It develops in the inner lining of the uterus or endometrium.

Doctors collectively call endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma or other rare forms uterine cancer. However, one should know that endometrial cancer is recognised as one of the uterine cancer types.

Now let’s check the symptoms that generally indicate cancer chances.

The signs of uterine cancer usually occur in the reproductive organs. However, it can also resemble other gynaecological issues.

Doctors recommend keeping a tab over the unusual bleeding, leaking or pain. It is crucial to consult a medical practitioner for further diagnosis.

The common symptoms of this disease include -

• Extremely heavy, long or frequent vaginal bleeding in women above 40 years old.
• Cramping in the pelvis or lower abdominal pain.
• Clear or thin white vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women.
• Spotting or vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women.
• Vaginal bleeding between menstruation.

Additionally, you can discuss with a doctor what your first signs of uterine cancer were or the symptoms for systematic treatment.

The causes of uterine cancer are still in research. Usually, this disease occurs when there are changes in the uterus cells. These mutated cells grow and multiply, forming a mass called a tumour.

If diagnosed earlier, the risk of cancer spreading into the other organs can be controlled. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate whether one falls under the risk zone. Consulting a gynaecologist or an oncologist would be beneficial in early treatment. This will also increase your uterine cancer survival rate.

As discussed earlier, you need to consult a healthcare provider if any symptoms occur. They may recommend several tests. They also ask about your family history and conduct a physical exam before deciding on a treatment pattern.

The common uterine cancer diagnostic tests include -

• CA-125 tests
• Dilation and curettage
• Endometrial biopsy 
• Hysteroscopy
• Imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI and transvaginal ultrasound.

If issues are found, an oncologist would suggest immediate treatment.

Most people with uterine cancer require surgery. However, the treatment plan depends on the cancer type and recovery rate.

Doctors recommend the following treatment -

• Chemotherapy for uterine cancer- In this method, powerful drugs are employed to destroy cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy- In this treatment method, a doctor blocks cancer-causing hormones.
• Immunotherapy- This method helps the immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy- Doctors use medications to stop specific cancer cells from multiplying.

Radiation therapy for uterine cancer- Here, radiation beams are sent to destroy cancer cells.

It is impossible to prevent uterine cancer. However, you can practice certain ways to reduce the risk.

Here are some suggestions -

• Control diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Consulting a doctor regarding the use of oral contraceptives.

In general, there is a 90% chance of stage 1 uterine cancer survival rate. In addition, there is an 81% survival rate of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. 

They have a five-year survival rate. With modern and improved treatment methods, the survival rates are gradually increasing.

It is easier to conduct uterine cancer diagnosis as women can determine their unusual menstrual cycle. Moreover, if cancer hasn’t spread to other organs, removing the uterus will completely cure the person.