About the disease

There are two types of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is the most common type and begins in the lining of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is less common and begins in the muscle wall of the uterus. Uterine cancer is usually diagnosed in the early stages and is more common in postmenopausal ages.

Symptoms of uterine cancer

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding, which is sometimes accompanied by pain or pressure in the pelvis. A pelvic exam is needed when any of the symptoms of uterine cancer appear.

These symptoms include:

–               Abnormal bleeding or discharge

–               Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

–               Pelvic pain

–               Pain during sex

–               Difficulty urinating

Tests in case of suspected uterine cancer

There is no proper screening method to detect uterine cancer. If uterine abnormalities are found during a pelvic exam, tests may be done to determine if uterine cancer is present, including transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, biopsy, dilatation and curettage (D&C).

Stages of uterine cancer

Stage I – Uterine cancer is only in the uterus.

Stage II – Uterine cancer is in the uterus and cervix.

Stage III – Uterine cancer is in the pelvic area, including the lymph nodes.

Stage IV – Uterine cancer has spread to organs such as the lungs, intestines, bladder and abdomen click here.

Treatment

Treatment for uterine cancer usually includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If uterine cancer is diagnosed early, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is sufficient to treat uterine cancer. In advanced stages, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed along with the uterus. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be given alone or in combination after a hysterectomy. Radiotherapy can be advised to control pain and reduce the risk of uterine cancer recurrence.