Uterine Cancer

Uterine Cancer- Defination

The uterus is a hollow, pear- shaped organ in a woman’s lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum.

Uterine Cancer- Introduction

Uterine cancer is cancer of the uterus. The most common form of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, cancer of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. Cancers of the muscular layer of the uterus or myometrium, known as uterine sarcoma which are less common, and are generally more aggressive than endometrial cancers.

Cause

Uterus Cancer occurs most often in woman between the ages of 55 and 70. This disease accounts for about 6 percent of all cancers in woman. Studies have shown that women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy have greater risk of developing uterine cancer. There are various factors which are the cause of developing uterine cancer:-

• Age- particularly over 50
• Obesity
• Taking the drug tamoxifen
• Prolonged use of medications with the hormone estrogen

Sign and Symptoms

Uterine cancer in its early stages may cause:-

• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Yellow watery discharge
• Pressure in the abdomen or pelvis, back or legs

Advanced uterine cancer may cause:-

• Problems with the bladder or rectum
• Weight loss
• Blocked bowel
• Shortness of breath
• Hemorrhage

Diagnosis

When the diagnosis is done for uterine cancer, a thorough examination is conducted. The doctor performs the following exams:-

• Pelvic exam
• Biopsy
• Dilatation and curettage
• Laparotomy
• Hysteroscopy

Staging for Uterine Cancer

After the diagnosis stage have been completed, it is very important that we should know the stage of the cancer. When we know the stage of the cancer we can contact the doctor for best treatment as possible. As the stage of the cancer depends on how much the size has increased and to which extent it has been advanced to other body parts. If the stage is described as one or two then it can be treated but if it is described as three or four then it is not possible that it will have the treatment.

Treatment for Uterine Cancer

Once your doctors know the type, grade and stage of your cancer, they will decide which treatment will work best for your type of cancer. The person having such type of cancer can be treated in the following ways:-

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Side Effect of Treatment

Every treatment has its side effects and after taking this treatment it too has the side effects like it can damage the cells and tissues to some extent. The side effects depend on which treatment has been taken and what side effect it has and to which extent. The concerned doctor will tell them about the possible side effects the treatment will have.

Resources Available

There are some organizations which continues researches for many years and whatever conclusion is drawn is available to the people. The people can contact to various offices of these organizations and these people are provided with various educational programs and services. They can contact at toll free number too.