Uterus is a hollow, pear shaped organ in the female body. It is a cushiony organ that carries the fetus before it is born. The lining of the uterus is a special tissue called endometrium. Therefore, uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer or endometrial cancer develops when the cells of the endometrium start growing abnormally. Uterine cancer is a slow spreading cancer, therefore, it can be detected and treated in time if the person has been going for regular checks. However, if the treatment is delayed,the cancer can spread to the bladder, rectum, vagina, Fallopian tubes or ovaries. In the light of the above, the current article intends to discuss the cause sand symptoms of uterine cancer and methods and treatments used to treat it.
The doctors and researches do not know what really causes uterine cancer. However, they know that something causes changes or mutations in the DNA of the cells of the endometrium lining of the uterus. Due to this mutation,the otherwise normal cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to forma tumor. While the exact causes are unknown, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of uterine cancer:
1. Getting the first period earlier than the typical age
2. Reaching menopause at a later age
3. Being obese or overweight
4. Having diabetes and hypertension
5. Having no or few children
6. Having irregular periods
7. Having a family history of breast cancer and/ or uterine cancer
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding: For women below the age of menopause, this includes heavy and irregular period cycle and/ or bleeding in between period. For women post-menopause, bleeding is can be a sign of uterine cancer.
2. Unusual Vaginal Discharge: It can be pink or watery and foul smelling.
3. Pain while urinating
4. Enlarged uterus
5. Unintentional weight loss
6. Weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back and legs. This symptoms occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
1. If the person notices signs and symptoms of uterine cancer then they can see a doctor. However, the doctor might just discover uterine cancer cells during a routinely Pap test or pelvic exam.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound: In this procedure, a wand like instrument is inserted in the body through the vagina. This instrument emits high frequency sound waves and helps form an image of the interior of the uterus.
3. In case there are suspicion of cancer cells, the doctor can perform a biopsy. In this procedure, tissue samples are collected for laboratory tests.
4. If the biopsy test confirms cancer, then the doctor will perform more imaging procedures like colonoscopy, MRI and/ or CT scan etc. to determine the position and the extent of the spread of the cancer cells.
1. If the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, then surgery is the most preferred procedure to treat it. In the early stages, the doctor may perform a hysterectomy.In this procedure, all the female reproductive parts like uterus, Fallopian tube, ovaries and cervix are removed. In addition to this, if there are some lymph nodes that are already under suspicion, then they are also tested and removed.The surgery is also used in cases where the cancer cells have not yet developed but the woman is at a high risk of developing the cancer.
2. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the doctor may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy after the surgery to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
3. Hormone therapy: Women suffering from uterine cancer also receive hormone therapy to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this case, the hormone is progesterone.
4. The doctor may also prescribe medicines to be taken through mouth. You can buy anti-cancer medicines online at low cost from 3MEDS.
Bottom Line
While the physical toll of cancer is evident, it also takes an emotional toll on the patient and their family. The patients can join a support group for emotional support and information. It will also help them meet more women like them and exchange experiences. The medical treatment should not be neglected either. All the sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be diligently taken and the medicines that are to be taken by mouth should be taken on time.You can buy anti-cancer medicines and injections online from 3MEDS.
