Uterine Cancer

What is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer develops in the uterus (womb). Two types of uterine cancer include endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer affects the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. It's a particularly common cancer of the female reproductive system.

Uterine sarcoma

A uterine sarcoma is a growth that develops in your myometrium, the muscular wall of your uterus. Unlike endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas are quite rare.

There are other unusual types of uterine cancer. However, because it's by far the most common type, people often refer to endometrial cancer as uterine cancer.

Why might I get uterine cancer?

There are specific risk factors that increase your chance of developing uterine cancer. These include:

• Being obese
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Having Lynch syndrome (a genetic disorder)
• Being over 50
• Eating a diet high in animal fats
• Having a family history of certain cancers
• Having diabetes
• Menstruating before the age of 12
• Going through menopause late
• Never having been pregnant
• Having estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

Many of these risk factors relate to your body's exposure to estrogen, the female sex hormone. High levels of estrogen or long exposure to it are the primary triggers for the development of uterine cancer.

What symptoms does uterine cancer cause?

Symptoms of uterine cancer include spotting after menopause and bleeding between periods before you reach menopause. You might also have a thin, clear or white vaginal discharge if you're postmenopausal.

Other symptoms include pain in your lower abdomen, pain or cramping in your pelvis, and particularly frequent, long, or heavy vaginal bleeding past 40 years of age.

These symptoms are typical of a number of other gynecological conditions, so it's essential to get an accurate diagnosis.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing uterine cancer involves having a consultation to discuss your current symptoms and any risk factors, followed by a pelvic exam.

Tests that can detect uterine cancer include a CA-125 assay. This is a blood test that measures levels of a protein called CA-125, which increases when you have cancer. Imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, and transvaginal ultrasound provide detailed pictures of the tissues in your uterus.

A biopsy might be necessary to collect a sample of tissue for laboratory testing. This might involve having a hysteroscopy, where the doctor inserts a long thin tube called a hysteroscope into your uterus through your vagina.

How is uterine cancer treated?

You may need surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Other treatments that can help with uterine cancer include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

Dr. Sankhala may also be able to offer you a place in a clinical trial for new cancer treatments.

For the best uterine cancer care from a compassionate physician, call Kamlesh Kumar Sankhala, MD, today or book an appointment online.