The spread or multiplication of cancerous cells in the womb or uterus is referred to as uterine cancer, also known as endometrial or womb cancer. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ that is upside down.

Its primary function is to support a baby's growth and development. Endometrial cancer typically develops in the uterine endometrium before slowly spreading to other surrounding tissues and, eventually, distant organs.

Types of Uterine Cancer

The type of womb cancer depends upon the cells from where it originates and hence can be categorized into the following:

Endometrial Cancer:

This type is relatively uncommon and typically starts in the uterine muscles before moving slowly inward to the uterus, like a structure and function deficiency observed in adenomyosis.

Uterine Sarcoma:

This type is relatively uncommon and usually begins in the womb's muscles and gradually spreads inwards to the uterus, such as a uterus structure and function defect seen in adenomyosis.

Causes of Uterine Cancer

The precise cause of uterine cancer is still unknown, just like any other cancer type. However, according to researchers, it typically happens when the DNA strands of the endometrium undergo genetic mutation, transforming normal endometrial cells into abnormal ones. This causes them to divide and proliferate without dying, eventually piling up to form tumorous structures. The tumorous structures are classified as benign or malignant, depending on whether they contain cancer cells.

Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer

Although the exact reason behind uterine cancer is not known, some causative factors increase the risk of getting uterine cancer, including:

• Women that are beyond 40
• Women who began their menstrual cycles early during childhood
• Having menopause later
• Are obese
• Diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes
• A history of infertility, irregular periods, or endometrial abnormalities
• Have a history of breast, colon, or endometrial cancer in your family
• Hormonal therapy for breast cancer

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

• The common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain while urination and/or sex
• Abdominal and pelvic pains
• Enlarged uterus
• Sudden weight loss

Diagnosis and Treatment for Uterine Cancer

If you have any of the above signs and symptoms, visit a gynecologist or other professional to get it evaluated and begin treatment as soon as possible. Following a comprehensive physical examination by the doctor, several diagnostic procedures, such as:

• Evaluation of the pelvis
• Imaging techniques like chest X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans
• Hysteroscopy
• Pap test
• Biopsy

Treatment Options Usually Consist of:

Surgery: They generally perform surgical procedures to remove the uterus (via hysterectomy) and remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (via salpingo-oophorectomy).

Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells, intense energy beams like X-rays and protons are used.

Chemotherapy: To eliminate cancer cells, two or more chemicals are used.

Hormone therapy: The hormone levels that promote the growth of cancer cells are reduced using medications.

Targeted Drug Therapy: Medications are used to specifically attack the cancer cells' weaknesses to kill them ultimately.

Immunotherapy: This technique strengthens the body's immunological response to aid in the battle against cancer's spread.

Professional medical attention is given to relieving pain and other symptoms while the patient is healing from the cancerous condition. Consult your gynecologist to check the signs in the early stages.

To book an appointment with the best gynecologist in Delhi, consult us at Femmenest.