Uterine Cancer

What is uterine cancer?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Uterine cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus, which is sometimes called the womb. The uterus is the place where a fetus grows during pregnancy.

There are two types of uterine cancer:

• Endometrial cancer is the most common type. This type of cancer begins in the cells lining the uterus, known as the endometrium.
• Uterine sarcoma is a rare, more aggressive cancer that is harder to treat. This type of cancer begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus.

Who is more likely to develop uterine cancer?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Uterine cancer usually happens after menopause. The cause is unknown. However, some factors and conditions that change the balance of hormones in your body may increase your risk. These can include obesity or metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors for certain health problems).

Other factors and conditions that may increase your risk for:

• Taking estrogen-only hormone therapy after menopause.
• Having type 2 diabetes
• Starting menstruation at an early age or menopause at a later age
• Having never been pregnant
• Taking tamoxifen, a medicine used to prevent or treat breast cancer
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having a mother, sister, or daughter who has had endometrial cancer
• Having certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome
• Having endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining)
• Having had past treatment with radiation therapy to the pelvis
• Taking tamoxifen, a medicine used to prevent or treat breast cancer

Endometrial cancer

Uterine sarcoma

What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

The most common symptom of both endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both types of uterine cancer may also cause pelvic pain or pressure, unusual vaginal discharge, or an enlarged uterus or pelvic mass.

Less common symptoms may include urinating (peeing) often, having trouble urinating, or pain during sexual intercourse.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

If you have symptoms of uterine cancer, your health care provider may:

• Ask about your medical history and family health history
• Do a pelvic exam
• Order imaging tests
• Suggest a biopsy or a minor procedure called dilation and curettage (D & C) to check the lining of your uterus

What are the treatments for uterine cancer?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Treatment may depend on your health, how much cancer you have, and whether it has spread. The most common treatment is having a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus. Sometimes the surgery also removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

You may have more than one type of treatment. Other treatments may include:

• Hormone therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Can uterine cancer be prevented?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

There is no sure way to prevent uterine cancer. But you can do things that may help lower your risk such as aiming for a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and talking to your provider about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.

Understanding terms used in the source

These definitions explain medical words used above. A definition is not evidence that another condition is present, and it does not predict how a symptom will develop. Ask the clinician which terms apply to the actual examination or test result.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause. Menstrual periods that are heavier or last longer than usual or last more than seven days also are considered abnormal.

Pelvic pain

Pain perceived in the area of the pelvis, the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones.

Healthy

No history of any serious disease, including the disease being investigated in the proband.

Sarcoma

A connective tissue neoplasm formed by proliferation of mesodermal cells. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the main types of sarcoma. Sarcoma is usually highly malignant.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Uterine Cancer is Oncology, with a oncologist and relevant organ specialist as the relevant type of clinician. General physician / Family Medicine; paediatrician for children. Referral depends on symptoms.

Additional services that may be relevant, depending on the findings, include: Relevant organ specialist / Surgical Oncology as indicated.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Has the exact tumour type been confirmed, and is staging relevant?
• What is the goal of each proposed treatment option?
• How will side effects, daily function and supportive care be addressed?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

Where the source describes treatments, these are an overview of possible care, not a prescription for an individual. Ask which option applies to the confirmed diagnosis, what benefit is expected, what adverse effects to watch for and how progress will be assessed. Availability, approvals and local practice can differ from the country described in the source.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.