What you need to know about uterine cancer

What do you think if you notice a little bleeding after your period has stopped, that is, after menopause? Some people think, "I don't know if it started again." But this kind of abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause, is never something to ignore. Because, it can be a major symptom of uterine cancer. So today, let's talk about uterine cancer, its symptoms, who is at higher risk, and what treatments are available for it. Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware of this.

Simply put, what is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer is a common name for cancer that occurs in the uterus. But there are two main types. Think of your uterus as a small house.

1. Endometrial Cancer: This is the most common type. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, which is like wallpaper . This lining is shed during menstruation. This is the endometrium. This is the type of cancer that occurs when the cells of the endometrium divide abnormally and become cancerous. This type accounts for 95% of uterine cancers. That is why we usually refer to this as "uterine cancer" in conversation.

2. Uterine Sarcoma: This is very rare. It is a cancer that develops in the muscular layer (myometrium) of the uterus, which is the lining of the uterus. This is a very rare condition.

The uterus is a very important organ in the female reproductive system. When a baby is conceived, the baby grows inside the uterus. The upper part of the uterus is called the body or corpus. Below it is the cervix. Cervical cancer is a different type of cancer from uterine cancer. We will talk about that later.

What are the symptoms of this cancer? How do I recognize it?

The symptoms of uterine cancer can be similar to those of other diseases of the reproductive system. So if you notice anything unusual, it's important to talk to your doctor right away . An accurate diagnosis is the only way to get the right treatment.

You can clearly understand these symptoms from the table below.

Why does this cancer develop? What are the risk factors?

The exact cause of uterine cancer has not yet been discovered. What happens is that for some reason, the cells in the uterus change (mutation) and start to grow uncontrollably. We call a mass of cells that forms in this way a tumor.

However, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer. Most of these are related to the balance of the two hormones in our body, estrogen and progesterone.

Things that increase risk

• Age: The risk of uterine cancer increases with age. The majority of cases are diagnosed after the age of 50.
• Obesity: This is a major risk factor. Fat tissue in the body converts some hormones into estrogen. As fat increases, estrogen levels rise, increasing the risk of cancer.
• Diabetes: There is a link between diabetes and obesity. Some studies have also shown a direct link between diabetes and uterine cancer.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS may also increase the risk.
• Menstrual and fertility history:
• Early puberty: If you started menstruating before the age of 12, your risk increases because the uterus is exposed to the hormone estrogen for a longer period of time.
• Late menopause: Also, if menopause occurs after the age of 50, then the time of exposure to estrogen is also longer.
• Never being pregnant: Women who have never had children have a slightly higher risk than those who have.
• Family history of cancer: Some people inherit a genetic risk for cancer. People with a genetic condition called Lynch Syndrome have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer and other types of cancer (especially colon cancer).
• Some treatment methods:
• Estrogen hormone therapy (ERT): Taking estrogen alone without the hormone progesterone for menopausal symptoms increases the risk.
• Use of Tamoxifen: This drug, used as a treatment for breast cancer, can act like estrogen in the uterus and increase the risk of cancer.
• Radiation therapy to the pelvic area: If you have received radiation therapy to the pelvic area for another cancer, the cells may be damaged and there may be a risk of developing another cancer.

How does a doctor diagnose this disease?

If you have unusual symptoms, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and your family history of illnesses. Then they will perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam.

Then, one or more of the following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: This involves inserting a special scanning device into the vagina to take clear images of the uterus and endometrium. This can help determine if the endometrium is abnormally thick.
• Endometrial Biopsy: This is the main test used to confirm the diagnosis. A thin, flexible tube is passed through the cervix into the uterus and a small piece of tissue is taken from the endometrium. You may wonder if this will be painful. Although it may be a little uncomfortable, it is a quick procedure. The tissue is then sent to a lab to be tested for cancer cells.
• Hysteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera and light (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina into the uterus to examine the inside. A biopsy may also be taken at this time.
• D&C (Dilation and Curettage): This is a slightly more complicated procedure than a biopsy. It is performed in an operating room under anesthesia. The cervix is ​​dilated and tissue is scraped from the inner wall of the uterus and sent for examination.

If cancer is confirmed, what happens next?

If cancer is confirmed, doctors will next look at the type and stage of the cancer. This is very important for planning treatment.

• Type:
• Type 1: These are not very aggressive. They spread slowly.
• Type 2: These are more aggressive. They can spread quickly and require more aggressive treatment.

• Stage: The cancer is classified from stage I to IV depending on the extent to which it has spread.

What are the treatments for uterine cancer?

The treatment you receive depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health.

• Surgery: This is the main treatment. Most often, a hysterectomy is performed. This involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix. This is often accompanied by a salpingo-oophorectomy (SOO) and lymph node dissection to see if the cancer has spread.
• Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This is used to destroy any remaining cells after surgery or in cases where surgery is not possible.
• Chemotherapy: Giving the body powerful drugs that kill cancer cells. These can be given by injection or as pills.
• Hormone Therapy: Giving drugs that block hormones needed for cancer cell growth.
• Targeted Therapy: Giving drugs that target specific weaknesses in cancer cells and stop their growth.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulating our body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.

Can this disease be completely cured?

Yes. This is the best news. Uterine cancer, especially endometrial cancer, can be detected very early . This is because the obvious symptom is abnormal bleeding.

But if the disease is not detected and spreads to other parts of the body (metastasis), the cure rate decreases. That's why we say that early detection saves lives .

What can I do to prevent cancer?

In most cases, uterine cancer cannot be completely prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Since obesity is a major risk factor, control your body weight through proper exercise and a balanced diet.
• Managing diabetes: If you have diabetes, control it well.
• Be careful with hormone use: If you are taking hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about it and consider treatments that contain estrogen and progesterone.

If you have a high risk of cancer (e.g. Lynch syndrome), it is important to talk to your doctor about it and undergo the appropriate tests.

Uterine Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Women's Diseases, Menopause, Vaginal Bleeding, Hysterectomy, Cancer Symptoms