uterine cancer

What is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, which is a pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. It is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the uterus.

• Types of Uterine Cancer: There are two main types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer (more common) and uterine sarcoma (rare). [1][2]
• Symptoms: Symptoms of uterine cancer may include vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, unusual bleeding or discharge, and pain in the pelvis or during sex or urination. [3][4][6]
• Causes: The exact cause of uterine cancer is not known, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. [5]
• Risk Factors: Women over 55 are at higher risk for developing endometrial cancer, the most common type of uterine cancer. [7]

References:

[1] Uterine cancer includes two types of cancer: endometrial cancer (more common) and uterine sarcoma (rare). [2] Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. [3] Symptoms of endometrial cancer may include: Vaginal bleeding after menopause. Bleeding between periods. [4] Sep 9, 2024 — Uterine cancer is a disease in which cells in the uterus grow out of control. [5] Aug 11, 2023 — Symptoms of endometrial cancer may include: Vaginal bleeding after menopause. Bleeding between periods. [6] An umbrella term for cancers that develop inside the uterus · Symptoms include unusual bleeding or discharge and pain in the pelvis or during sex or urination ... [7] Sep 4, 2024 — Uterine cancer is cancer of the uterus. The most common type, endometrial cancer, happens most often in women over 55. [8] Cancer of the uterus (also called uterine cancer) occurs when cells in any part of the uterus become abnormal, grow out of control and form a lump (tumour). It ... [9] Aug 14, 2024 — Cancer of the uterus occurs when abnormal cells develop in the uterus and begin growing out of control. There are two main types of uterine ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, can cause a range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: This is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, particularly any bleeding after menopause or between periods. [1][2][6]
• Heavy Bleeding Between Periods: Some women may experience heavy or prolonged bleeding during their menstrual cycle. [4][7]
• Pelvic Pain: A feeling of discomfort or pain in the pelvic area can be a symptom of uterine cancer. [3][5]
• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: Women with uterine cancer may notice an unusual vaginal discharge, which can be clear, white, or bloody. [2][8]

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all women with uterine cancer will experience them. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context result 6: "Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, particularly any bleeding after menopause."

[2] Context result 2: "Bleeding may be abnormal because of how heavy it is... Vaginal discharge or bleeding that is not normal for you."

[3] Context result 3: "Unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, or other discharge"

[4] Context result 4: "Vaginal bleeding after menopause. Bleeding between periods."

[5] Context result 1: "Lower abdominal pain or cramping in your pelvis, just below your belly."

[6] Context result 6: "Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer..."

[7] Context result 7: "...which include abnormal vaginal bleeding and heavy bleeding between periods."

[8] Context result 8: "Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse..."

Diagnostic Tests for Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help diagnose and stage uterine cancer. The CA-125 assay measures the level of CA-125 protein in the blood, which can indicate the presence of cancer [5]. However, not all patients with endometrial cancer have elevated CA-125 levels [1].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans and transvaginal ultrasound can help identify the location and extent of the tumor [6][9].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a crucial diagnostic test for uterine cancer. It involves examining a tissue sample from the uterus to confirm the presence of cancer cells [7]. The results of the biopsy will determine the type of uterine cancer.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy may be performed to examine the inside of the uterus and take tissue samples for further examination [8].
• Blood Chemistry Tests: Blood chemistry tests can help identify any abnormalities in blood chemistry that may indicate the presence of cancer [9].

It's essential to note that a diagnosis of uterine cancer is typically made by a gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist, who will use a combination of these diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9

Treatment Options for Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, can be treated in various ways depending on the stage and type of cancer. Here are some common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat endometrial cancer, especially after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells that were not visible or accessible to the surgeon [8][4].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy works by targeting specific parts of cancer cells that make them different from normal cells [6]. This type of treatment may be an option for some women with advanced endometrial cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Dostarlimab (Jemperli) is a type of immunotherapy that has been recommended by NICE to treat some types of advanced or recurrent womb cancer [7].
• Endocrine Therapy: Progestins are hormonal therapies for endometrial cancer, which work like the hormone progesterone that occurs naturally in the body [5]. They are often used as a main treatment option.
• Surgery: Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for endometrial cancer. It involves removing the uterus and sometimes other surrounding tissues.

Additional Treatment Options

Other treatment options may include:

• Clinical Trials: Women with stage IV endometrial cancer or recurrent endometrial cancer should consider taking part in clinical trials of chemotherapy or other new treatments [2].
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy, such as progestins, can be used to treat endometrial cancer by targeting the hormone receptors on cancer cells.

Important Considerations

It's essential to discuss your treatment options with a cancer specialist. They will help you determine the best course of action based on your individual situation and stage of cancer.

References:

[1] Dostarlimab-gxly (Jemperli) for endometrial cancer [2] Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced endometrial cancer [3] Progestins as hormonal therapies for endometrial cancer [4] Chemotherapy for uterine cancer after surgery [5] Apr 27, 2023 — Progestins: These drugs are the main hormonal therapies for endometrial cancer. [6] Sep 17, 2019 — Targeted therapy works against endometrial cancer by targeting specific parts of cancer cells. [7] Dostarlimab (Jemperli) recommended by NICE for advanced or recurrent womb cancer [8] Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells in uterine cancer.

The differential diagnosis of uterine cancer involves distinguishing it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms or characteristics.

Conditions to consider:

• Benign ciliary change [4][6]
• Other endometrial carcinomas [4][6]
• Uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare malignancy arising from smooth muscle cells of the uterus [7]

Key factors for differential diagnosis:

• The presence and extent of myometrial invasion
• DNA ploidy and mean shortest nuclear axis
• Abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial thickening on imaging studies [2]
• Clinical presentation, including symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding [5]

Diagnostic approaches:

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider to assess for any abnormalities or symptoms [3]
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, to evaluate the extent of disease
• Histopathological examination of tissue samples to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions

It's essential to consider these factors and diagnostic approaches when differentiating uterine cancer from other conditions. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Not applicable (no relevant information in search results)

[2] Jul 29, 2020 — In early stages endometrial cancer must be differentiated from diseases that cause abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial thickening on imaging studies.

[3] Diagnosing uterine cancer usually begins with a visit to your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and will do a physical exam.

[4] by SG Silverberg · 2000 · Cited by 278 — The differential diagnosis is with benign ciliary change, and as with other endometrial carcinomas, the distinction is made by the demonstration of stromal invasion.

[5] Sep 30, 2024 — Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer​​ Most patients with endometrial cancer present with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Uterine sarcomas can present similarly.

[6] by SG Silverberg · 2000 · Cited by 278 — The differential diagnosis is with benign ciliary change, and as with other endometrial carcinomas, the distinction is made by the demonstration of stromal invasion.

[7] by K Kim · 2023 · Cited by 2 — Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignancy arising from smooth muscle cells of the uterus and is usually diagnosed postoperatively.