Uterine Cancer
(Endometrial Cancer · Cancer of the Uterus)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Uterine Cancer
There's no screening test for endometrial cancer. The cervical Pap smear test (see the "Cervical Cancer" condition article), is not a screening test for endometrial cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial sampling that are used for diagnosis (see below) are being studied for their value as screening tests.
The only reliable diagnostic test for endometrial cancer is a tissue biopsy (sample). Tissue sampling from the endometrium, called an endometrial biopsy, usually performed in the physician's office, is generally sufficient as the initial diagnostic procedure. Another method of tissue sampling is a D&C (dilation of the cervix and curettage, which is scraping of the uterine lining). However, a D&C requires anaesthesia, and may be unsuitable for a woman who is very elderly or has serious medical problems. A transvaginal ultrasound is another procedure that may help diagnose this cancer, but the results are less certain than a biopsy.
The majority of uterine cancers are detected when a woman notices abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding should never be ignored, especially in a postmenopausal woman. Any woman over the age of 40 with abnormal vaginal bleeding should consult her doctor to help decide whether further testing is needed. Taking estrogen supplements occasionally causes harmless abnormal uterine bleeding, but a doctor should always be consulted in any case.
Treating and Preventing Uterine Cancer
Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is essential to treat endometrial cancer. This won't interfere with sexual activity, but the operation leads to infertility and can't be reversed. Only after the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries have been removed can doctors judge the extent of the cancer. If the cancer hasn't invaded deep into the wall of the uterus (early stage) and isn't an aggressive type (low grade), additional treatment may not be necessary.
In more widespread cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, or both may be offered instead of (or after) surgery. Women with tumours that have invaded further into the wall of the uterus or who have a higher grade cancer may require a course of pelvic radiation, chemotherapy, or both to kill the remaining cancer cells. Some women have been successfully treated using radiation alone after deciding against hysterectomy. However, most experts agree that keeping the uterus intact reduces the chances of successful treatment if there is no evidence of disease outside of the uterus at the time of diagnosis.
Pelvic radiation treatment can have side effects, including nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Another common side effect of radiation of the pelvis is narrowing of the vagina (stenosis). This may make sexual intercourse difficult or painful. This may require regular stretching of the vagina with a vaginal dilator to allow for sexual activity, which can be done at home.
If the cancer is very advanced, chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with radiation. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects. These side effects vary depending on what chemotherapy medications your doctor decides to give you.
Synthetic progestins, a form of the hormone progesterone, are sometimes used to treat endometrial cancer when it is advanced or when it recurs. Synthetic progestins have only mild side effects compared to typical cancer medications; however, the chance of success when treated by chemotherapy or progestins alone is low.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Uterine-Cancer
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