What is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that is the most common cancer in women, and it happens in the female reproductive system. The uterus is a female reproductive organ in the pelvic region. It is a place where the development of the fetus takes place. Uterine cancer starts in the form of layers of cells, and they form a type of lining in the uterus. This lining that develops is known as the endometrium. Uterine cancer or endometrial cancer can be treated because of the symptoms that can be seen in the early stages. Symptoms like heavy vaginal bleeding. The most common way to cure uterine cancer is by removing the uterus from the female reproductive system.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

The most common symptom that can be seen in uterine cancer (endometrial cancer) is vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is also known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), this bleeding happens because of endometriosis (Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus). Abnormal vaginal bleeding includes:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• The change in the length of the periods.
• The heaviness or quantity of the menstrual periods.
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods.

Apart from these symptoms, there are also potential symptoms of endometrial cancer. These symptoms can be categorized as:

• Pain in the legs or back.
• Weakness or tiredness.
• Having constipation.
• Unintentional or abnormal weight loss.
• If you have pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Having pain during sexual intercourse.
• Discharge from the vagina with watery or blood-tinged liquid (with foul-smelling).

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to consult with the doctors as soon as possible. Sometimes the symptoms can be just a sign of normality, but to clear up all your doubts, you can consult with your doctors and can get your doubts cleared.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding can not only happen because of uterine cancer, but it can also happen because of menopause or other noncancerous conditions. But if abnormal vaginal bleeding happens, it is advisable to consult with doctors. They help to analyze what type of problems or medical issues you are having and what type of necessary measures you need to take.

What Are the Causes Behind Uterine Cancer?

In general, the exact cause behind uterine cancer is still unknown. But doctors believe that the changes in the level of hormones like estrogen and progesterone are often responsible for the cause of uterine cancer. So, when the fluctuation happens in the level of these hormones, it affects the endometrium. When the level of estrogen increases, it causes the endometrial cells to divide and multiply.

Therefore, the changes that occur in the endometrial cells are responsible for the situation of abnormal cell division, and this results in cancer. Moreover, their rapid growth of them results in the formation of the tumor. The study and research are still going to find out the main reason behind why this is happening.

The Risk Factors Responsible for Endometrial Cancer

Most endometrial cancer risk is related to the age criteria. As age increases the risk factors for endometrial cancer increase. In most cases, the women who are diagnosed with endometrial cancer lie in the age category of 45 to 74 years of age.

Apart from this age factor, several other factors are responsible for the risk of endometrial cancer. And these factors are as follows:

• The changes in the sex hormone level.
• Certain medical conditions.
• Family history of cancer.
• Living with obesity.

So as doctors believed that the imbalance in the sex hormones might be responsible for uterine cancer. Therefore, estrogen and progesterone levels need to be maintained to avoid the possibility of having cancer.

Other certain aspects are also responsible for uterine cancer, and these are as follows:

• Menstruation pattern through the years: The more menstrual cycles you have had, the more exposure your body has to estrogen.
• History of pregnancy: When you go through the pregnancy, the hormonal changes shift towards progesterone. Therefore, if you have never been pregnant, then the chances of having uterine cancer are very high. Sometimes the chances are very high in the case of infertility as well.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder in which the estrogen levels are very high and progesterone levels are very low. Hence, if somebody had PCOS then the chances of having uterine cancer are very high.
• Granulosa cell tumors: Granulosa cell tumors are a type of tumor in which the secretion of estrogen took place. If a person had granulosa cell tumor, then the chances of having uterine cancer are high.

What Are the Stages Of Uterine Cancer?

There are a total of 4 main stages of uterine cancer. The 4 stages are as follows:

Diagnosis Of Uterine Cancer

If you are suffering from any of the serious symptoms, then you can consult with your doctor about it. After that, a proper examination will be conducted, and measures will be taken afterward. There are different ways through which the diagnosis can be conducted these includes:

• Hysteroscopy: It is a process in which a very thin telescope is used. The telescope is passed through the cervix into the uterus. This will allow doctors to examine the lining of the uterus and tissues. They can also do a tissue sampling (biopsy) of the area that seems abnormal.
• Endometrial Sampling: Doctors passed a thin tube into the uterus to obtain a small piece of the endometrium by using mild suction. The procedure is performed and done on an outpatient basis. Then the pieces are examined for any abnormalities.
• Ultrasound Scan of the Uterus: The ultrasound test is one of the primary tests that is used for identifying uterine cancer. This is the safest and painless way that allows the examination out of the three. With the help of the images produced by the sound waves, doctors analyze the condition and structure of the organs and check for any abnormalities.

These are some of the ways that are used for diagnosing a patient with uterine cancer.

What Are the Treatment Options for Uterine Cancer?

There are different treatment options available that can be used to treat uterine cancer. Some of these options are listed below:

How Can One Lower the Risk of Uterine Cancer?

By following certain points, one can lower the risk of having uterine cancer:

• Losing weight (obesity is not good for health).
• Doing regular physical activity or exercise.
• If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, then seek consultation and treatment accordingly.
• Understanding the pros and cons of hormone therapy.
• Understanding the potential benefits of contraceptives.
• Learning and knowing about the family history regarding cancer.

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