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Endometrial cancer is cancer that occurs in the inner lining of the uterus and its surroundings. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, it ranks 6th in the list of common cancers among women.
What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, damaging healthy cells around the uterus. The uterus itself is a female reproductive organ that serves as a place for the fetus to grow.
Uterine cancer is divided into two types, namely:
- Uterine sarcoma: this cancer arises in the myometrium, the muscular wall of the uterus. This type of cancer is rare with a worldwide annual incidence of 0.5 to 3.3 cases per 100,000 women per year.
- Endometrial cancer: this is the most common type of cancer and cases are increasing every year due to lifestyle, almost 95% of uterine cancer cases are endometrial cancer. This cancer appears in the inner lining of the uterus and can disrupt your reproductive system.
Are uterine cancer and cervical cancer the same?
Although often considered the same, they are different types of cancer.
The main difference is in the part of the body that is affected. In uterine cancer, cancer cells grow in the uterus area. While in cervical cancer, cancer cells appear in the cervix, the tube that connects the uterus to the vagina.
Symptoms of uterine cancer
Just like most other types of cancer, often the symptoms of uterine cancer are not visible in the early stages. However, symptoms will appear when the stage or severity is already severe.
- Menstrual blood comes out more than usual.
- Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.
- Swelling in the abdominal area or between the hip bones.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Pain during sex.
- Blood when urinating.
- Bleeding or spotting even after menopause.
Causes of uterine cancer
Just like other cancers, until now no one knows the exact cause of uterine cancer. But experts think there are several factors that can increase the risk of uterine cancer, namely:
- Increasing age. This is based on the high percentage of uterine cancer cases in women who have menopause or are over 50 years old.
- Excess weight or obesity.
- Having a history of PCOS.
- Having a family with a history of uterine cancer.
- Never gave birth.
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Eat high-fat foods frequently.
- Taking Tamoxifen (a drug for breast cancer treatment).
- Have the genetic disorders Lynch Syndrome or Cowden Syndrome.
- There is thickening of the uterine wall.
- Have had radiotherapy to the hip area.
How to diagnose uterine cancer
To diagnose whether or not you have uterine cancer, your doctor will perform medical tests. The tests may include one or a series of the following:
- Blood tests. This aims to find the types of proteins that are often found in people with cancer.
- Imaging tests. These tests are used to obtain images of the inside of the body. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds.
- Biopsy. The doctor will take a small sample of tissue from the uterus for examination in the laboratory.
- Hysteroscopy: The doctor will insert a small tube-shaped instrument into the uterus through the vagina. The tube is equipped with lights and a camera so that the doctor can get a clear view of the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
Uterine cancer treatment
In general, uterine cancer treatment requires surgery. However, the doctor will plan different treatments for each person. This is influenced by the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's health condition.
The surgery aims to remove the uterus and cervix from the body to prevent the cancer from spreading. After the surgery, the patient will not be able to conceive again.
In addition to uterine removal surgery, doctors will also use several other methods for the treatment of uterine cancer. Some of them are:
- Chemotherapy. The use of harsh drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy. The use of radiation beams on the affected area to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy. Therapy to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy. Administration of certain hormones to prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
- Targeted therapy. Administration of drugs to target specific cancer cells to prevent them from developing further.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no effective way to prevent uterine cancer. Because the exact cause is not yet known.
However, living a healthy lifestyle is thought to reduce the risk of cancer. For example, avoiding high-fat foods, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, managing stress, and also eating healthy foods.
Thanks for reading this article. Have a nice day.
