Uterine Cancer(Endometrial Cancer; Cancer, Uterine; Cancer, Endometrial; Endometrial Adenocarcinoma)
by
Michelle Badash, MS DefinitionCancer is the out of control growth of cells. Uterine cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the uterus. The walls of the uterus are is made of an inner and outer lining. The endometrium is the inner lining. The myometrium is the muscular, outer lining. The most common type of uterine cancer (adenocarcinoma) begins in the endometrium. Less common cancers called sarcomas, begin in the myometrium. This fact sheet will focus on endometrial cancer.
Causes TOPCancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a clump of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. These types of growth, called malignancy, can invade nearby tissues. Cancer that has invaded nearby tissues can then spread to other parts of the body. Exposure to estrogen seems to have a strong link to uterine cancer. It is not clear exactly what causes cancer cells to develop. It is probably a combination of genetics and environment. Risk Factors TOPUterine cancer is more common in women aged 50-60 years old. Other factors that may increase your chances of uterine cancer:
Symptoms TOPUterine cancer may cause:
Diagnosis TOPThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A pelvic exam of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum will be done. Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, uterine cancer is staged from I-IV (1-4). Stage I is a cancer that has stayed in one area, while stage IV cancer is one that has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment TOPTreatments for uterine cancer depend on the stage of the cancer. Options may include: SurgeryA hysterectomy may be done to remove the uterus. Other nearby structures, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lymph nodes may also need to be removed. Radiation TherapyThis is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used with surgery or for women who cannot tolerate surgery. Radiation therapy may be:
Hormonal Therapy TOPHormones can affect how cancer cells work. Some types of uterine cancer may be managed with hormone medications. This option is usually reserved for advanced or recurrent cancer. Chemotherapy TOPThis is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given as an injection, through a catheter, or by mouth. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy may have limited benefit for treating uterine cancer. Prevention TOPSteps that may help to reduce your chances of uterine cancer include:
RESOURCES:American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca Women's Health Matters—Women's College Hospital http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:Endometrial cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer.html. Accessed January 8, 2018.
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Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/11/2018 |
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