Uterus cancer is the growth of abnormal malignant cells in the uterus. The most common form is endometrial cancer, which is the inner lining of the uterus, followed by cervical cancer which is the narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
The uterus is the female reproductive organ where embryo implantation, development and growth take place until delivery. It is also the organ where under hormonal influence the monthly endometrial lining buildup takes place and so is responsible for our monthly menstrual cycle.
Symptoms of uterus cancer
Symptoms of uterus cancer in females vary according to their origin, location, size and possible expansion into other tissues.
The symptoms of uterus cancer can present as
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or secretions.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Vaginal bleeding during or after menopause is often a sign of uterine cancer
- Irregular monthly cycle.
- Pain during urination.
- Painful flatulence.
- Fatigue
- Cachexia (loss of weight or body mass)
Diagnosis of uterus cancer
After the onset of several symptoms arising the doctor’s suspicion, they could be symptoms of uterine cancer, several diagnostic steps must be taken to determine if it is in fact uterine cancer, including:
Pelvic examination
A physical examination where the vagina, uterus, ovaries and rectum are examined. Sometimes a simultaneous PAP smear is done.
Ultrasound sonography
Transvaginal ultrasound can give us a picture of the thickness and composition of the uterus and any anomalies in its structures.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy can be used to examine the vagina, cervix and lining of the uterine cavity for any abnormalities.
Uterine tissue biopsy
A sample of uterine tissue can be taken for examination and analysis after a dilatation and curettage (D&C).
Diagnostic surgery
When there is high suspicion for uterine cancer and a confirmative or an inconclusive biopsy result returned; surgery can be done and tissue on the spot investigated by a pathologist. If this confirms malignancy staging and possible curative surgery could be attempted.
Uterus cancer stages
As previously discussed, cancer of the uterus is most likely of endometrial origin. The disease begins with the appearance of abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus. Depending on origin and location the malignant cells could spread into other tissues.
Stage I: In the first stage of uterus cancer the cancer cells are solely inside the uterus.
Stage II: In the second stage of uterus cancer the malignant cells are no longer just confined inside the uterine cavity but have spread to include the cervix.
Stage III: The uterine cancer is now outside the uterus and has spread to the vagina, ovaries and/or lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Here the uterine cancer cells have spread to other locations in the body; urinary bladder, rectum, or organs located far from the uterus, such as the lungs or bones.
Uterus cancer treatment
Uterus cancer treatment depending on the stage and the patient’s general health endometrium cancer is classically treated with a hysterectomy and if needed a lymphadenectomy. Radiation or chemotherapy can postoperatively be added to the therapeutic plan to target metastatic cells elsewhere and improve recovery prospects. If the cancer cells are receptive to hormones (many female reproductive tract tumors are) hormone treatment is also given to decrease the growth and prevent regrowth of the cancerous cells. New immunotherapies are on the rise for treating several cancers among them cancers of the uterus.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment classically starts with a hysterectomy and if needed a salpingo-oophorectomy and lymphadenectomy (this means the uterus could be removed together with the fallopian tubes, ovaries and affected or suspicious lymph nodes). During surgery, the surgeon will examine areas around the uterus to evaluate if any other tissues show symptoms of cancer having spread to it.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high focused radiation to eliminate cancer cells. In some cases, radiation is performed as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of cancer re-infection after surgery. In other cases, radiation therapy may be recommended before surgery to reduce the tumor and facilitate its removal.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses certain chemicals that kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy
Hormonal therapy is on the rise as treatment for uterine cancer. The female reproductive system works as an equilibrium through a cascade of hormones. The endometrium thickening and shedding is regulated through hormones and thus several treatments have been developed to stop several hormone pathways that could be a factor inducing growth of uterine cancer.
Guided pharmacological therapy
This form of therapy is mainly focused on reducing symptoms of cancer and the medication taken to treat it. Chemotherapy for instance has many nasty side effects that could temporarily make you feel sicker than the cancer itself, pain killers, antiemetics etc. help reduce those.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a revolutionary leap in medicine for those who other forms of treatment aren’t an option. Immunotherapy helps the patient’s own immune system fight the cancer cells.
