Uterine cancer is a condition in which a malignant tumor grows in the lining of the uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ that houses the fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is located in the lower pelvic region (the area between the hips) and is supported by the pelvic floor muscles. The lower part of the uterus is called the cervix.
Types of Uterine Cancer
Cancer of the uterus or uterus can form anywhere in the uterus, but it usually develops in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and is called endometrial cancer. This cancer has two main types that develop in the uterus, including:
- Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The most common type of cancer of the uterus, accounting for about 90 percent of cases.
- Uterine sarcoma is a less common type of uterine cancer, and it forms in the muscles or other tissues of the uterus.
Causes and Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer
The exact cause of uterine cancer is not known, but a number of factors can increase the risk of developing this disease. The surge in the hormone estrogen can increase a woman's risk of developing cancer. Here are a number of other factors that increase estrogen and ultimately increase the risk of cancer continues:
1. Hormonal Factors
An imbalance of the hormone estrogen and progesterone, can affect the risk of uterine cancer. Before menopause, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which help to control the monthly or menstrual cycle. At this time the egg will be released from the ovary and make the uterine wall grow thicker to prepare for pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus will appear and disappear every month. After menopause, the ovaries no longer produce hormones, but women still produce some estrogen in their body fat. When there is too much estrogen in the absence of progesterone to balance, the risk of uterine cancer increases.
2. Weight and Physical Activity
Excess weight is one of the risk factors that can trigger cancer of the uterus. After menopause, body fat is the main source of estrogen. Obese women may have high levels of estrogen. One of these two cancers can be caused by obesity. Some evidence also suggests that being physically less active may increase the risk.
3. Genetic Factors
Some cases of cancer are caused by changes in certain genes, which can increase the risk. If there are several close relatives from the family who have a history of colon, breast or uterine cancer, then there is a possibility that genetics is passed on to the next generation. Close relatives in this case include parents, children, and siblings.
4. Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a hormonal drug used to treat breast cancer. This drug can slightly increase the risk of uterine cancer, if taken in the long term.
5. Other Health Disorders
Several other medical conditions can also increase the risk of cancer in the uterus, including:
- Thickening of the uterine wall. Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the uterine wall becomes thicker.
- Diabetes. Diabetes associated with being overweight can increase a woman's risk of developing this cancer. There may also be a link between uterine cancer and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS have cysts that grow on the ovaries. This condition may have fertility problems, rarely or never have periods, or may be overweight or diabetic. All of these conditions are associated with the risk of uterine cancer.
- Ovarian cancer. Certain types of ovarian cancer called granulosa and theca cell tumors can produce estrogen, which increases the risk.
In addition, estrogen therapy, getting your period earlier, and going through menopause too early are also at risk of developing this cancer.
Read Too : 7 Symptoms of Uterine Cancer that Need to be Recognized and How to Treat It
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common feature of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, for example:
- Bleeding after menopause between periods
- Menstruation is heavier than usual (if you've never had menopause)
- Watery or bloody discharge.
Diagnosis
Doctors can use many tests to confirm or diagnose cancer. Doctors perform tests to determine the spread of cancer. If the cancer has spread from its initial site, the condition is called metastases.
1. Imaging tests
For example, imaging tests can show the spread of cancer. This test shows pictures of the inside of the body. Doctors also perform tests to determine the most effective treatment.
2. Biopsy
For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to find out if an area of the body has cancer. The doctor will take a small amount of tissue as a sample to be tested in the laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, your doctor may suggest other tests that will help make the diagnosis. This test is an option for diagnosing the type of uterine cancer. Not all tests can be used for every person with this cancer. When choosing a diagnostic test, the doctor may consider the following factors:
- Signs and symptoms
- Type of cancer suspected
- Age and general health
- Previous medical test results
3. Pelvic Examination
The doctor observes the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and rectum to check for any abnormal findings. A Pap smear test, usually done with a pelvic exam, is primarily used to check for cervical cancer. Sometimes a Pap smear test can detect abnormal gland cells, caused by uterine cancer.
4. Transvaginal Ultrasound
This test uses ultrasound with a device called a transducer, the doctor can see the size of the ovaries, uterus, and the thickness of the endometrium. If something looks abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy.
5. Hysteroscopy
Is a telescope-like instrument that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus, and allows the obstetrician or obstetrician to see inside the uterus. During this procedure, tissue may be removed (biopsy) and sent for further tests in a laboratory.
6. Blood and Urine Tests
Blood and urine tests can be used to assess general health, and ensure proper treatment.
Treatment for Uterine Cancer
If you have this cancer, you will most likely have surgery. The procedure recommended by the doctor depends on the stage of the cancer, the type, and the extent of the cancer. Health conditions can also be a risk factor. but surgical complications are rare.
1. Surgery
The most common surgery is the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Since all three are reproductive organs, you cannot get pregnant after surgery. The doctor may also remove nearby lymph nodes to see if they have cancer cells. If these cells are in the lymph nodes, the disease may have spread to other parts of the body.
2. Radiation Therapy
Some women, such as those who cannot undergo surgery, will undergo radiation therapy. But women who have surgery may also have radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is sometimes done before surgery if the cancer is very large. Radiation therapy can shrink the size of the cancer to make it easier for surgeons to remove the cancer. In other cases, radiation is not started until after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain. Two types of radiation therapy are used to treat cancer. During external beam radiation, a special beam of radiation is aimed at the tumor from outside the body. Radiation is usually administered five days a week for several weeks. In some cases, a type of radiation called brachytherapy will be used. During this therapy, the doctor inserts a piece of radioactive material near the tumor. This is left on for a few days and then picked up again. It should be noted that both types of radiation can cause side effects:
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Diarrhea
3. Chemotherapy
If the cancer has spread outside the uterus, doctors may recommend chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drug can be given by mouth, or injected into a vein.
4. Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy using progesterone is a possible treatment option for women who have the following conditions:
- Unable to undergo surgery or radiation therapy
- Cancer of the uterus that has spread to other organs, such as the lungs
- Have cancer that recurs after treatment.
Prevention of Uterine Cancer
There is no proven way to prevent this cancer. But you may be able to reduce risk factors, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising to help control your weight and blood pressure, and being aware of an abnormal vaginal discharge. In addition, women who use oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may lower their risk of developing uterine cancer. Although beneficial, the use of birth control pills is not prescribed solely for cancer prevention.
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