Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer that begins
in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins
in muscle or other tissues in the uterus). No one knows the exact causes
of uterine cancer however; there are certain risk factors that make it
more likely for one woman to get the disease over another.
Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer
Risk factors include age, endometrial hyperplasia, hormone replacement
therapy, obesity, tamoxifen use, race, and colorectal cancer. Uterine
cancer usually occurs after menopause, but it may also occur around the
time menopause begins.
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Some of the symptoms seen with uterine cancer are unusual vaginal bleeding
or discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse,
and pain in the pelvic area. If a woman has symptoms that may suggest
uterine cancer her doctor may check lab and urine tests and do a pelvic
exam, pap test, transvaginal ultrasound, and a biopsy to remove tissue
from the uterine lining to confirm diagnosis.
Testing & Staging
Once diagnosis is determined the doctor needs to know the extent or stage
of the disease to plan the best treatment. Staging is a careful attempt
to find out whether the cancer has spread, and if so to what parts of
the body. Additional tests to determine stage may be:
Blood and urine tests
X-rays
CT scan
Ultrasound test
MRI
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
In most cases, the most reliable way to stage uterine cancer is to remove
the uterus so the pathologist can examine it for any signs of cancer.
Once staging is complete treatment options are gone over with you. Treatment
options consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.
Caring for Women with Expertise and Compassion
At Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center, we provide comprehensive, personalized
care for women diagnosed with uterine cancer. Our oncology team understands
the sensitive nature of this diagnosis and is dedicated to guiding each
patient through her treatment journey with respect, empathy, and clinical
excellence.
Contact us today to learn more about uterine cancer treatment options in Cody, WY
.png)
