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3.5 Minute

18-09-2024 Team Medicover woman-and-child

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Manjusha Padamata

Understanding Uterine Cancer Signs, Risks & Early Detection

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus. It most often affects women after menopause, though it can also occur in younger women. Detecting this cancer early greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and recovery.

Thatâ€™s why it's important to recognize the early warning signs, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or changes in vaginal discharge. Being aware of these symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly can make a significant difference in protecting your health and improving outcomes.

What is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the uterus, most commonly starting in the lining called the endometrium. It is also known as endometrial cancer. While it typically affects women after menopause, it can also occur in younger women. Early detection is key to effective treatment and recovery.

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Early Signs of Uterine Cancer

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

One of the most common first early signs of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This includes:

Bleeding between periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Postmenopausal bleeding

If you experience any unusual bleeding patterns, it's important to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Unusual Vaginal Discharge

One of the first signs of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal discharge. It may be watery, pink, or white, and sometimes it may have a bad smell. Vaginal discharge can happen for many reasons, but if it lasts a long time or seems unusual, you should see a doctor.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain or discomfort is another symptom that may suggest uterine cancer. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. If you experience persistent pelvic pain, it's essential to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.

Pain During Intercourse

Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, can be an early sign of uterine cancer. If you notice pain during sexual activity that doesn't improve with time, it is crucial to discuss this symptom with your healthcare provider.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss without any changes in diet or exercise can be an early warning signs of uterine cancer. If you experience significant weight loss without a known cause, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including uterine cancer. If you feel unusually tired and it doesnâ€™t get better with rest, itâ€™s a good idea to talk to your doctor and find out what might be causing it.

Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer

While understanding the early signs of uterine cancer is essential, it's also important to be aware of the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Some common risk factors include:

Age: Uterine cancer is more common in women over 50.
Obesity: Excess body fat can increase estrogen levels, which may contribute to uterine cancer.
Hormone Therapy: Use of estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone can elevate the risk.
Family History: A family history of uterine or colorectal cancer can increase the risk.
Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes can also elevate the risk.

How to Detect Uterine Cancer Early?

Regular Gynecological Exams

Regular gynecological exams are crucial for early detection of uterine cancer. During these exams, your healthcare provider can perform a pelvic exam and may recommend additional tests if any abnormalities are detected.

Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus for examination under a microscope. This test can help detect abnormal or cancerous cells.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and surrounding structures. This imaging test can help identify abnormalities in the uterine lining.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, lighted tube through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This allows the doctor to visually examine the inside of the uterus and take tissue samples if necessary.

Blood Tests

In some cases, blood tests may be used to check for specific markers that could indicate the presence of cancer. While not diagnostic on their own, blood tests can provide valuable information for further investigation.

Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer

Once symptoms appear, your doctor may suggest the following diagnostic tests:

Pelvic Examination: To check for abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: Helps assess the thickness of the endometrial lining.
Endometrial Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is collected from the uterus lining and examined for cancer cells.
Hysteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the uterus to view the lining and collect samples.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A minor surgical procedure to collect more extensive tissue for diagnosis if biopsy results are unclear.

Complications of Uterine Cancer

Endometrial cancer can lead to several complications, including:

Metastasis: Cancer may spread to nearby organs like the bladder or rectum, or to distant sites such as the lungs or lymph nodes.
Infertility: Advanced disease or treatment (e.g., hysterectomy, radiation) can affect reproductive function.
Bleeding: Abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding may cause anemia or significant blood loss.
Pelvic pain: Tumor growth or spread can result in persistent pelvic or abdominal pain.
Bowel or urinary issues: Pressure on surrounding organs can lead to constipation, incontinence, or difficulty urinating.
Lymphedema: Removal of lymph nodes during treatment can cause swelling in the legs due to fluid buildup.
Emotional distress: A cancer diagnosis and its impact on health, fertility, and body image can lead to anxiety or depression.

Early detection and proper treatment can help manage these complications effectively.

Treatment Options For Uterine Cancer

If endometrial cancer is diagnosed, treatments may include:

Surgery: The most common treatment is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), often with removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Radiation Therapy: May be used before or after surgery to target cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: In cases where surgery isn't an option or for slow-growing cancers.
Chemotherapy: Used for more advanced stages or aggressive forms of cancer.
Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy: In select cases with specific genetic features.

Preventive Measures

While not all cases of preventing uterine cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to manage your weight.
Monitor Hormone Therapy: If you're undergoing hormone therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Manage Medical Conditions: Keep conditions like diabetes and PCOS under control with proper medical care.
Regular Screenings: Stay up-to-date with regular gynecological exams and screenings.

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the early signs or symptoms of uterine cancer, it's important to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection can make a significant difference in the Treatment for uterine cancer outcomes and overall prognosis.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When you visit your healthcare provider, consider asking the following questions:

What could be causing my symptoms?
What tests do I need to determine the cause of my symptoms?
What are the potential risks and benefits of these tests?
If diagnosed with uterine cancer, what are my treatment options?
What are the potential side effects of each treatment?

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Conclusion

Knowing the early signs of uterine cancer and seeing a doctor early can help you get better treatment. Common signs of uterine cancer in women include unusual bleeding, unusual discharge, pain in the lower stomach, and weight loss without a clear reason.

These signs are very important to notice after menopause because any bleeding after menopause is not normal. If you see any of these signs of uterine cancer after menopause or at any time, talk to your doctor. Taking care of your health and getting help early can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1 uterine cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the uterus. Sometimes radiation or hormone therapy may be added to prevent cancer from coming back.

Diagnosis may involve pelvic exams, ultrasound, biopsy of uterine tissue, blood tests, and imaging scans like MRI or CT to check cancer spread.

Most patients have a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes and ovaries are also removed, depending on the cancer stage.

Ovary removal depends on age, cancer type, and stage. Sometimes ovaries are kept if the cancer risk is low, but they are often removed to prevent spread.

After surgery, you may feel tired, have pain, and need time to recover. Youâ€™ll have follow-up visits to monitor healing and check for cancer return.

The 5-year survival rate is high for early-stage uterine cancer, often above 80%. Later stages have lower survival rates, so early detection is key.

Yes, early-stage uterine cancer can often be cured with surgery and treatment. Success depends on the stage of the cancer and overall health.

Rest, eat healthy, follow your doctorâ€™s advice, attend all follow-ups, manage side effects, and seek support for emotional and physical recovery.