Uterine Cancer/Cancer of the Uterus

Uterine cancer begins when normal cells in the uterus change and start growing uncontrollably. These cells form a mass called a tumor that can be cancerous.

Types of Uterine Cancer

Adenocarcinoma

This type of cancer develops in the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is the most common type of uterine cancer.

Sarcoma

This type of cancer develops in the supporting tissues of the uterine glands or in the myometrium, which is the uterine muscle. It is a less common type of uterine cancer.

Signs & Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Unusual bleeding, such as between periods or heavier flow
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain or pressure
Weight loss
Pain during sexual intercourse
Loss of appetite

Treatment of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is treated by one or a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue through an operation. It is typically the first treatment used for uterine cancer.

Hysterectomy: Depending on the extent of the cancer, the surgeon will perform either a simple hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) or radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and nearby tissues).
Pelvic Exenteration: It is done when cancer is recurrent but has not spread outside the pelvis. The reproductive organs (cervix, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes) are removed along with the lymph nodes in the pelvis. The rectum and/or bladder may also be removed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two ways this treatment is offered.

External Beam
Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy

It is a systemic therapy that uses drugs to treat cancer. The drugs may be given orally through tablets/pills or intravenously. The drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body to destroy cancer cells that have spread throughout.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy uses hormones such as progesterone to fight cancer cells. It is generally used for women who cannot have surgery and/or radiation therapy. Hormone therapy is also used in advanced and metastatic endometrial cancer.