Are you aware of uterine cancer? Let's talk about it simply!

Many times, our women get a little worried when they see abnormal bleeding from their vagina, right? Especially after menopause, that is, after the monthly menstruation has completely stopped. Sometimes this can be a symptom of uterine cancer. But don't panic right away. Not all bleeding means cancer. However, it is very important for us all to be aware of such things. Because if it is detected early, it is easier to treat.

What is uterine cancer? Simply put...

"Uterine cancer" is a general term. It refers to cancer that develops in your uterus. There are two main types:

1. Endometrial Cancer : This is the most common type. This cancer develops in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium . This is the most common type of cancer in our female reproductive system.

2. Uterine Sarcoma: This is a bit rare. It develops in the muscular wall of the uterus, called the myometrium .

Simply put, about 95% of uterine cancers belong to the previously mentioned type of endometrial cancer. Therefore, most of the time, when people say "uterine cancer," they are talking about endometrial cancer.

What are the uterus and the endometrium? What do they do?

As you know, the uterus is a very important organ in the female reproductive system. When a baby is conceived, the fetus develops inside this uterus for several months. The upper part of the uterus is called the "body" or "corpus". At the bottom of the uterus is the cervix . This cervix is ​​what connects the uterus to the vagina. The uterine cancer we are talking about here is cancer that develops in the body of the uterus. Cervical cancer is a different type of cancer.

Now, the endometrium is the innermost layer of the uterus. This is very special. Because, this endometrium changes with your monthly menstrual cycle. This happens under the influence of two hormones called estrogen and progesterone . These hormones thicken the endometrium so that a baby can be conceived. But if pregnancy does not occur, the body reduces the production of progesterone. Then that thickened endometrial membrane is shed. That is what we call menstruation, or periods.

How common is uterine cancer?

In countries like the United States, endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It is especially common after menopause . It is said that about 3 out of 100 women will develop this cancer in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of uterine cancer? How do you recognize them?

This is the most important part. The symptoms of uterine cancer can sometimes be similar to the symptoms of other common conditions. They can also be confused with other diseases of the reproductive system. So if you have unusual vaginal bleeding , or if you have strange pain or cramps in your lower abdomen, be sure to see a doctor and talk about it. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the most important thing. Only then can you be treated properly.

Here are some of the symptoms that can be seen in endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma:

• Before menopause, that is, if you are still having your monthly period , vaginal bleeding occurs between two menstrual cycles. Imagine, your period ends and you bleed again a few days later.
• After menopause, that is, after the monthly periods have completely stopped, vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur. This should not be ignored at all.
• Lower abdominal pain, that is, pain or aching in the pelvic area, below the stomach .
• If you are postmenopausal, you may experience a vaginal discharge that is white or clear .
• If you are over 40 years old, you have prolonged, heavy, or frequent vaginal bleeding.

If you have any of these symptoms, please seek medical advice.

Why does this uterine cancer occur? What is the cause?

In fact, researchers still don't know exactly what causes uterine cancer . However, some changes (mutations) occur in the cells of the uterus. These changed cells begin to grow and divide rapidly without control. This is when it forms a tumor .

However, there are some risk factors that increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. If you have any of these risk factors, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about ways to protect your health.

What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?

There are several risk factors for developing endometrial cancer. Many of these are related to the hormones estrogen and progesterone that we discussed earlier.Progesterone ) is associated with an imbalance of two hormones. For example, obesity , a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) , or taking estrogen alone without progesterone (unopposed estrogen) can affect this. Also, genetic conditions that are not related to hormones, such as Lynch syndrome, can increase the risk.

Let's look at these risk factors in some detail:

Age, lifestyle, and family history

• Age: The risk of developing uterine cancer increases as you get older. Most cases of this cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50.
• A diet high in animal fat: A diet high in fat can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer . Uterine cancer is among them. High-fat foods are also high in calories. This can also lead to obesity.
• Family history: Some people inherit genetic conditions that increase their risk of cancer. An example is Lynch syndrome , or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) . These people are at higher risk of developing endometrial cancer as well as other types of cancer.

Other medical conditions

• Diabetes: This disease is often associated with obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for cancer. However, some studies suggest that there is an even more direct link between diabetes and uterine cancer.
• Obesity: Some hormones are converted into estrogen by fat tissue. This increases the risk of uterine cancer. The more fat tissue there is, the greater the effect on estrogen levels.
• Ovarian diseases: Some women with ovarian tumors have high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Menstrual cycle and reproductive history

• Early menstruation: If you started menstruating before the age of 12, your risk of uterine cancer may be slightly increased. This is because your uterus is exposed to the hormone estrogen for a longer period of time.
• Late menopause: Also, if menopause occurs after the age of 50, the risk increases there as well. The reason is the same as before, the uterus is exposed to estrogen for a longer period of time.
• Long menstruation span: The total number of years of menstruation may be more important than the age at which menstruation began and stopped.
• Not getting pregnant: Women who have not had children have a slightly higher risk of this cancer.

Previous treatment for other diseases

• Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area: If you have had radiation therapy to the pelvic area as a treatment for another cancer, it can damage the DNA of the cells. This damage can increase the risk of developing a second type of cancer.
• Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT): Some people take estrogen therapy to reduce symptoms of menopause. Taking estrogen alone (ERT) without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer.
• Tamoxifen use: Some people take this drug as a treatment for breast cancer. It acts like estrogen in the uterus and can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Important: Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop uterine cancer. Similarly, even someone without any of these risk factors can develop this cancer. It is important to be aware of these so that we can take the best care of our health.

What are the complications of endometrial cancer?

The worst complication of endometrial cancer is death . However, if your doctor detects this cancer early, the chances of recovery are very good.

Other complications that can be seen include:

• Anemia - This means a decrease in blood volume in the body.
• Cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastasizing) .
• The body is not responding well to treatment.

How to find out if you have uterine cancer? (Diagnosis)

If you think you have symptoms that could be uterine cancer, talk to a doctor right away. Your doctor will do the following:

• Ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and family medical history .
• A physical exam is performed.
• A pelvic exam is performed.

What tests are used to diagnose uterine cancer?

Your doctor may do one or more of these tests to confirm whether you have uterine cancer:

• Blood tests:
• CA-125 assay: This measures a protein called CA-125. High levels of CA-125 can indicate the presence of cancer in the body.
• Imaging tests:
• CT scan: This takes a series of detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
• MRI scans: These use radio waves and a strong magnet to create images.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: In this, a special probe (a smooth, round instrument) is inserted through the vagina and pictures are taken of the uterus.
• Other tests:
• Endometrial biopsy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus and taking a small sample of tissue from the endometrium. This can usually be done in an outpatient setting.
• Hysteroscopy: This involves passing a long, thin tube called a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This narrow instrument has a light and camera on it, allowing the inside of the uterus to be seen clearly.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): This is a slightly more complicated procedure to remove uterine tissue. It is done in an operating room.

If you have a D&C or biopsy and a tissue sample is taken, the doctor will send the sample to a lab, where a pathologist will examine the tissue to see if there is cancer.

Important: The Pap test cannot detect cervical cancer. The Pap test is used to detect cervical cancer.

What else can be learned from an endometrial cancer diagnosis?

If your doctor diagnoses you with endometrial cancer, they will also need to find out what type it is. Knowing the type of cancer will help you decide on the best treatment.

• Type 1 endometrial cancer: These are less aggressive, meaning they do not spread quickly to other tissues.
• Type 2 endometrial cancer: These are more aggressive. They are more likely to spread outside the uterus. Therefore, they may require more aggressive treatment.

The doctor will also determine the stage of the cancer. Uterine cancer is classified as stage I to IV.

• Stage I: The cancer has not spread outside the uterus.
• Stage II: The cancer has spread to the cervix.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to the vagina, ovaries, and/or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other organs beyond the bladder or uterus.

Sometimes, the exact stage of the cancer may not be known until after surgery to remove the cancer.

What are the treatments for uterine cancer?

Many women with endometrial cancer need surgery. The treatment plan you receive will depend on the type of cancer and your overall health. Other types of treatment you may be given include:

• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy:Targeted radiation beams are directed to destroy cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: Hormones are either given or blocked to treat cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Helps your own immune system fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs are used to target specific cancer cells and stop them from multiplying.

Researchers continue to study other ways to treat endometrial cancer.

What is the surgery for uterine cancer like?

In most cases, the primary treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery. You will most likely have a hysterectomy , which is surgery to remove the uterus and cervix. There are four types of hysterectomies:

• Total abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen and removes your uterus.
• Vaginal hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the uterus through the vagina.
• Radical hysterectomy: If the cancer has spread to the cervix, you may need a radical hysterectomy. The surgeon removes the uterus and the tissue around the uterus. He or she also removes the upper part of the vagina next to the cervix.
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the uterus through a few small incisions. This can be done laparoscopically or robotically.

When performing a hysterectomy, surgeons often perform two other procedures:

• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO): Your ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. Many people need this extra step to make sure the cancer is completely removed.
• Lymph node dissection/lymphadenectomy: Lymph nodes are removed to see if the cancer has spread.

Do I need to have my ovaries removed?

Many women with uterine cancer have their ovaries removed. But when the ovaries are removed, you go through menopause if you haven't yet gone through menopause. If you're under 45 and premenopausal, talk to your medical team about whether you can keep your ovaries.

What can you expect after hysterectomy?

The following are possible side effects of uterine cancer surgery:

• Infertility: This means the inability to have children.
• Menopause (if you are premenopausal and have had your ovaries removed) and its symptoms, for example, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

How is uterine sarcoma treated?

In most cases, surgeons diagnose, stage, and treat uterine sarcoma in the same procedure. Treatment options are similar to those for endometrial cancer. You may have a hysterectomy, as well as a BSO, which removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Can uterine cancer be prevented?

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

• Controlling diabetes.
• You maintain a healthy body weight .
• Talking to your doctor about using hormonal birth control methods that are progesterone-based or contain both estrogen and progesterone . These medications may offer some protection against uterine cancer.

Does estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) make me more likely to develop uterine cancer?

If you're thinking about taking ERT, talk to your doctor. Together, you can discuss your cancer risk and make the best decision for you.

Is there a screening test for uterine cancer?

No, there is no such common test. Doctors do not usually recommend regular screening for people who do not have symptoms. But if you are at high risk, you may want to do so. If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about getting screened regularly for cervical cancer.

What is the survival rate for people with uterine cancer?

The five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer is 81%. This means that 81 out of 100 women diagnosed with the disease are still alive after five years. This rate is even higher if the cancer has not spread outside the uterus. Then the survival rate goes up to 95%. As treatments improve, the survival rate also increases. Uterine cancer is only fatal if it spreads undetected. If the cancer spreads outside the uterus to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops to 17%. Early detection and early treatment are the keys to a good recovery.

Can uterine cancer be completely cured?

Fortunately, endometrial cancer is often detected early. This is because many people only report unusual bleeding to their doctors. If the cancer is caught early, before it has spread to other organs, it can be cured by removing the uterus.

When should you see a doctor?

Talk to your doctor about any unusual bleeding or spotting. If you have a family history of endometrial cancer (genetics), talk to your doctor about getting screened annually. You may also need to have an endometrial biopsy every year starting at age 35.

What should I ask my doctor?

If you are diagnosed with uterine cancer, ask your doctor about the following:

• What is the stage of my cancer?
• What are the best treatment options for me?
• Will I need more than one treatment?
• Are there any clinical trials I can participate in?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• What should I expect after treatment?
• Will the cancer come back?
• Am I at increased risk of developing other cancers?

How should I take care of myself after uterine cancer treatment?

After you finish treatment, your medical team will tell you about your follow-up visits . It is very important to go to these appointments. During a follow-up appointment, your doctor will do a pelvic exam. He or she will also ask about your symptoms. The goal is to make sure the cancer is not recurring and that you are doing well after treatment.

You can also talk to your doctor about ways to live a healthy life after cancer. Things like eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help you stay healthy.

What are the warning signs of uterine cancer?

Tell your doctor about any irregular bleeding. Irregular bleeding means bleeding between periods if you are still menstruating, or spotting or spotting if you are postmenopausal. Irregular bleeding is a symptom of a number of conditions, including endometrial cancer.

Does uterine cancer spread quickly?

Type 1 cancer, the most common type, does not spread quickly. Type 2 cancer can spread quickly, so more aggressive treatment may be needed.

At what age is endometrial cancer most common?

Endometrial cancer is most common among women who have gone through menopause. The average age of menopause is around 51 years.

In summary, things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so from what we've talked about, I hope you have a good understanding of uterine cancer, especially endometrial cancer. Remember, uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer in the female reproductive system. It is often called endometrial cancer.

The main thing is to be aware of the symptoms. Especially if you are bleeding between menstrual cycles or bleeding after menopause, do not ignore it. Seek medical advice immediately.

If detected early, uterine cancer is largely curable. Surgical removal of the uterus can control this condition. So don't be afraid, and if you have any doubts, see a doctor and talk about it. Your health is very important to you.

` Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Women's Health, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatment