Uterine Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Uterine cancer is one of five gynecological cancers that affect millions of women worldwide. There is a lot of information available on uterine cancer that highlights symptoms, stages, and treatment options. The key to making a full recovery with any form of cancer is detecting the illness early. In the beginning stages of cancer, the cure rate is almost 100%. However, uterine cancer that goes undetected could result in the growth and spreading of cancerous cells. When this occurs, treatment is more difficult, and the successful rate is not as high.

What is the Uterine Cancer?

The uterus is located in the lower part of the abdomen, and situated between the rectum and the bladder. Pregnant women carry their fetus in the uterus. Uterine cancer develops when cells in the uterus begin to divide abnormally. Ordinarily, our bodies produce healthy cells. In turn, these healthy cells divide into more healthy cells. This process only occurs when new cells are needed to fight infections. However, there are instances when cells unnecessarily divide. They may needlessly separate into additional healthy cells, or into cancerous cells. The overgrowth of cells forms a mass, or tumor. Tumors are classified as being benign or malignant.

Benign Uterine Tumors

Benign uterine tumors are not cancerous. These tumors are the result of an overgrowth of healthy cells. Uterine tumors, or fibroids, are very common and will affect approximately 1 in 3 women. The size of fibroids varies woman-to-woman. Depending on the size of the fibroid, doctors may recommend surgically removing the tumor. However, if the tumor is not causing any discomfort, surgery is not considered necessary. Women who experience heavy vaginal bleeding or unbearable pelvic pain may require the removal of fibroids to relieve symptoms. Fibroids may develop at any age, but they mostly affect women over the age of 35.

Malignant Uterine Tumors

Malignant uterine tumors are cancerous, and should be treated immediately. Cancerous cells attack and destroy healthy tissues. If untreated, the cancer may spread to other organs and form new tumors. Cancer may also travel through the bloodstream. Widespread cancer is difficult to treat, thus it is imperative that women recognize the signs and symptoms of uterine cancer before it reaches an advanced stage. Approximately 32,000 women within the United States are diagnosed with uterine cancer annually.

Causes of Uterine Cancer

Several factors place a woman at risk of developing uterine cancer. Risk factors of uterine cancer include:

Being over the age of 55
Late menopause
Early onset of menstrual cycle
Few or no children
Obese
Taking estrogen replacement therapy
Family history of uterine cancer 
Moreover, researchers have revealed that long-term use of birth control pills may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing uterine and ovarian cancers. One theory is that high estrogen levels play a role in most gynecological cancers. Thus, women whose bodies produce more than a normal level of this hormone are placed at a greater risk. Birth control pills succeed in regulating the estrogen levels in the uterus and ovaries.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Uterine cancer may occur during menopause, thus many women ignore changes in vaginal bleeding. Menopausal women are likely to experience irregular or heavy bleeding. Nonetheless, women should not self-diagnose their condition. Any changes in menstruation should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Physicians will determine whether unusual bleeding is due to menopause, or a more serious condition. Symptoms of uterine cancer include:

Unusual vaginal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge
Painful urination
Painful intercourse
Post-menopausal bleeding
Pelvic pain 
Diagnosing Uterine Cancer

Physicians must perform a thorough examination in order to determine the presence of cancerous cells in the uterus. Examination will consist of a pap smear, pelvic exam, and biopsy.

Pelvic Exam: This is a procedure where doctors exam the uterus, ovaries, rectum, and bladder for abnormalities. Pelvic exams may cause some pain or discomfort. During this exam doctors are generally able to detect any lumps, cysts, or changes in size. A mass or tumor may also be detected.

Pap Smear: This is an annual exam that every woman should receive. The purpose of a pap smear is to exam the cells located in the cervix. Most uterine cancers begin in the cervix. Thus, women who are diagnosed with uterus cancer have an increased chance of also being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Biopsy: During this procedure, physicians will remove sample tissues from the lining of the uterus. Biopsies may be preformed with a needle or brush. Tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for examination.

Once uterine cancer is confirmed, physicians will need to determine whether the cancer is in a beginning stage or advanced stage. Treatment is based on this information. Uterine cancer in the early stages consists of a small tumor or cancerous cells that are confined to the uterus. Advanced stage uterine cancer includes tumors that are larger, or cancerous cells that have begun to spread to healthy tissues and organs. Staging procedures include blood test, which are successful tumor markers, urine test, CAT scan, and MRI. The latter two are imaging tests that allow doctors to glimpse accurately where cancerous cells and tumors are located within the body. If the cancer has become widespread, doctors may order additional tests such as a colonoscopy or chest X-ray. Although rare, it is possible for uterine cancer to affect the brain.

Treatment Options

Treatment of uterine cancer varies. Surgery is the most common form of treatment. The purpose of surgery is to remove tumors that are located in the uterus. If a tumor is large, doctors may initially postpone surgery and recommend radiation therapy to shrink tumors. Cancer that has spread to surrounding tissues and organs may be treated with combination therapies. Surgery may be necessary to remove the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. Post surgery, a patient may undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment to kill remaining cancerous cells and prevent the growth of new ones. Women who are diagnosed with advanced stage uterine cancer may require the removal of pelvic lymph nodes.