Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer happens due to the development of abnormal cells in the uterus that begin to grow uncontrollably. As the most common gynecologic cancer, uterine cancer is often referred to as endometrial cancer.
Types of Uterine Cancer
There are two main types of uterine cancer.
Endometrial cancer:
Accounts for 95% of cases and begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
Uterine Sarcomas:
It is a rare form of uterine cancer that develops in the myometrium, the muscle wall of the uterus
Uterine cancers have stages from I to IV
- Stage I: The cancer is confined to the uterus and has not spread elsewhere.
- Stage II: The cancer has extended to the cervix.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby areas such as the vagina, ovaries, or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: The cancer has reached distant organs, such as the bladder or other parts of the body beyond the uterus.
Uterine Cancer Risk Factors
Uterine cancer has the following risk factors:
- Age (older women after age 50 have a high prevalence)
- A diet high in animal fats is also high in calories, which can lead to obesity
- Family history of genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome, or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
- Diabetes is often linked to obesity, a risk factor for cancer
- Obesity (excess body weight) increases the level of estrogen, which causes cancer
- Ovarian diseases (high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels)
- Early menstruation may increase the risk of uterine cancer
- Late menopause (menopause occurs after age 50)
- Women with impaired fertility
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, mostly after menopause. Further common symptoms may include
- Heavy periods or a change in periods
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding between cycles
- Uninterrupted periods (continue without a break)
Less common symptoms include:
- A watery discharge, with an unpleasant smell.
- Weight loss (unknown)
- Problems with urination or an alteration in bowel movement
- Stomach pain.
If any unusual pain or irregular vaginal bleeding is seen, consult a doctor.