Definition:
Uterine cancer is a most common form of carcinoma that begins in the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. Also called endometrial cancer, this type of cancer typically appears after the reproductive years, mostly in the sixth or seventh decade of life.
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic tools available to determine uterine cancer include: pap tests; endometrial biopsy; dilation and curettage (D and C); and transvaginal ultrasound.
Treatment:
Treatment for uterine cancer almost always involves surgery, which may include hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which pertains to the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Lymph nodes near the cancerous mass may also be removed during surgery. Other treatment options for aggressive uterine cancer include: radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
Symptoms and Signs:
Uterine cancer develops gradually over a period of years. An abnormal bleeding in the vagina is the most common early symptom of this cancer. Other symptoms of uterine cancer include: prolonged periods or bleeding in between periods; frequent bleeding or spotting in the years prior to menopause; any bleeding that occurs during the time of menopause; intense pelvic pain; pain during sexual intercourse; and unintended weight loss.
Causes:
The exact cause of uterine cancer is currently not known; but certain factors have been known to play a role, including: fluctuating estrogen levels, hormonal anomalies, and genetic causes.
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