Endometrial Cancer
Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which a fetus develops). Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
The signs and symptoms of uterine cancer can also be caused by other health conditions. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor.
A sign is something that can be observed and recognized by a doctor or healthcare professional (for example, a rash). A symptom is something that only the person experiencing it can feel and know (for example, pain or tiredness). The signs and symptoms of uterine cancer can also be caused by other health conditions. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer are:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding that starts after menopause
- Bleeding between periods in premenopausal women
- Heavy frequent bleeding before or during menopause
- Bleeding with intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Foul smelling
- Pus-like
- Blood tinged
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain or pressure
Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer are:
- Pain
- Lower abdomen
- Pelvis
- Back
- Legs
- Change in bladder habits
- Pain during urination
- Difficult urination
- Blood in the urine
- Change in bowel habits
- Pain during bowel movement
- Difficult bowel movement
- Blood in the stool
- Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen), which causes abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Weakness
Treatment for uterine cancer is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.
Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for uterine cancer are generally based on:
- Stage
- Grade
- Tumour type
- Age
- A woman’s overall health
- Surgery
- Hysterectomy is done to remove the cervix and uterus, with or without removing nearby lymph nodes
- A radical hysterectomy also removes some tissues around the cervix and upper vagina
- A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is done to remove both ovaries and Fallopian tubes. It is usually done at the same time as the hysterectomy
- Pelvic exenteration is sometimes done when cancer has come back (recurred) after treatment, but has not spread outside the pelvis (is localized). The reproductive organs (cervix, uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes) are removed along with the lymph nodes in the pelvis. The rectum or bladder or both may be removed.
- For advanced uterine cancer, surgery is done to remove as much of the tumour as possible (debulk)
- Radiation therapy
- External beam radiation therapy
- Brachytherapy
- A combination of both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- After surgery, for some types of uterine cancer
- For advanced or recurrent uterine cancer
- To relieve symptoms of advanced disease
- Chemotherapy
- After surgery, for some types of uterine cancer
- For advanced or recurrent uterine cancer
- To relieve symptoms of advanced disease
- It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 2–3 years after treatment.