Uterine Cancer - Stages, Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer that occurs in women. Uterine cancer occurs when the normal cells of the uterus grow uncontrollably and form a lump. That lump is referred to as a tumour.

In many cases, women with uterine cancer may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms, If present, may be the following:

1. You may experience pain and cramps in the pelvic area.
2. Presence of unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, or spotting.
3. In some premenopausal women, menorrhagia may also occur.
4. Vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women
5. Vaginal discharge, which is clear or white, in post-menopausal women

The exact cause of uterine cancer is not known.

1. However, it has been observed that the mutation in the DNA of cells of the uterus lining causes it.
2. Typically, healthy cells grow at a fixed rate.
3. But cells undergo disruptive and uncontrolled division when there is a mutation in the cells.
4. This process results in forming a mass of the cell on the inner lining of the uterus, resulting in cancer of the uterus.

Several factors increase the risk of uterine cancer. Some of them are:

1. Uterine cancer occurs in women above the age of 50 years.
2. Intake of high-fat diet, as it may result in weight gain which increases uterine cancer risk.
3. Family history, as women with uterine cancer in the family is at high risk.
4. Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, ovarian dysfunction, and obesity increase the risk of uterine cancer.
5. Early menstruation and late menopause
6. Prolonged years of menstruation
7. Women with no pregnancy are at increased risk of uterine cancer due to increased estrogen exposure.
8. Treatment for other cancers, such as radiation therapy for pelvic cancer or tamoxifen for managing breast cancer, increases uterine cancer risk.
9. Estrogen replacement therapy.

Here are some steps that you can follow to reduce the risk of getting affected by uterine cancer.

1. Take your doctor’s advice before starting hormonal therapy: If you are planning to start hormonal therapy, you should ask your doctor about the risks of the chances of getting uterine cancer.
2. Prefer to take anti-pregnancy pills: Although oral contraceptives have side effects, the one benefit of the oral contraceptive is that it reduces the chances of getting uterine cancer by controlling the hormonal flow of the body.
3. Maintaining a good body fat ratio: Obesity causes an imbalance in hormones in the body. Eventually leading to the increased chances of getting cancer.

The doctor may diagnose ovarian cancer through the following techniques:

1. Pelvic Exam: The doctor will insert the gloved fingers into the vagina and simultaneously press the abdomen to feel your pelvic region. And doctors also examine the external genitals visually for confirmation.
2. Blood Test: A blood test is done to detect the tumour that will indicate the presence of uterine cancer.
3. Imaging Test: Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI scans will help to see the internal picture of the organ and help to detect any swelling in the uterus region.

Once the above tests are done, the doctors will use the information and assign the cancer stage. After that, the doctors will start a suitable treatment for it.

How to prepare for the doctor's consultation?

You can book an appointment to consult a doctor in the following ways: 

1. Book an appointment to avoid any waiting time. Reach the hospital at the scheduled time and get your registration done at the reception.
2. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms, past medical history, and the reports of tests done if any. Make sure to explain the signs in detail. It will help your doctor to diagnose the problem. 
3. If there is already a diagnosis, make a list of questions you need to ask the doctor in your next appointment. It may include questions regarding treatment options, disease progression, and recovery. 

The doctor develops the treatment strategy according to the stage of cancer. In most cases, the doctor suggests a combination of various therapies. Some of the treatment options for uterine cancer include:

Surgery

1. The doctor recommends the removal of the uterus along with the fallopian tubes and ovary. Women undergoing uterus removal would be unable to get pregnant in future.
2. Further, the removal of ovaries may also cause menopause in premenopausal women.
3. During surgery, the doctor may also remove the lymph nodes to evaluate the cancer stage.

Radiation Therapy

1. Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation that kills cancer cells. The doctor may either recommend radiation therapy before the surgery to minimise the size of the tumour or after the surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells.
2. Radiation therapy may either be performed by guiding energy radiation from outside, or the patient may also undergo internal radiation.

Chemotherapy

1. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs interfere with the vital biological processes of the cancer cells and kill them. The doctor may prescribe a single or a combination of chemotherapy drugs.
2. The drugs may either be taken orally or administered through injection. Doctors may also recommend chemotherapy after surgery to minimise the recurrence of cancer.
3. Chemotherapy is generally used when uterine cancer has spread to other organs.

Targeted Drug Therapy

1.  This therapy involves the use of drugs that target specific proteins in the cancer cells. These proteins control the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells. 

Hormone Therapy

1. The cancer cells may require hormones to divide. Hormonal therapy reduces the level of hormones inhibiting cancer growth. It is usually indicated in the case of advanced cancer when uterine cancer spreads to other body parts.

Immunotherapy

1. Immune system plays a vital role in fighting against cancer cells. However, in some cases, cancer spreads by hiding from the immune cells.
2. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system and makes it more specific against cancer cells. Immunotherapy also interferes with hiding cancer cells from the immune system.

It involves both the disease as well as treatment complications. These include:

1. Anemia due to excessive blood loss. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and palpitations.
2. Post-radiation complications include vaginal atrophy, vaginal stenosis, and bowel/bladder fistula.
3. Surgical complications may include sexual dysfunction, bladder instability, and lymphedema.
4. Metastasis of uterine cancer causes shortness of breath, weight loss and bone pain.

Symptoms of anaemia are weakness, cold feet and hands, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and dizziness. But the relief is that all these complications are reversible.

When to consult a doctor?

1. Do not ignore any signs of uterine cancer. For example, if you are experiencing any unusual bleeding from the vagina for an extended period, immediately consult your doctor.
2. If you also notice any sudden changes in your vaginal discharge and extreme pain in the pelvic area, visit the doctor.
3. Women who are at high risk for uterine cancer should undergo routine screening tests. Such patients should consult the doctor about measures to reduce uterine cancer risk.