The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ present in the female pelvic cavity. The top of the uterus is known as the fundus, the middle is the corpus, and the bottom is the cervix; the inner wall of the uterus is the endometrium, and the outer layer is the myometrium.
The above diagram represents the female pelvic cavity, also known as the uterus
It is the most common type of cancer of the female reproductive system. Most uterine cancers are caused due to the abnormal or malignant growth of cells that comprise the endometrial tissue. Malignant means that it can spread and destroy tissue in organs that are in the vicinity, such as the bladder, rectum, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can also metastasize to more distant organs. Fortunately, endometrial cancer grows very slowly and can be detected before progressing to severe levels with regular checkups and proper diagnoses.
Women who are past menopause are at a higher risk for uterine cancer and it is more prevalent in women who are above the age of 40. You could be at a high risk for uterine cancer if you:
In many cases, uterine cancer can go unnoticed since it doesn’t show any obvious symptoms. However, it does have some clear giveaways such as:
While a pelvic exam can detect any abnormal growth in the uterine and vaginal cavity, your doctor may also ask you to undergo a PAP (Papanicolaou test), ultrasound or a biopsy. Occasionally a CT scan or MRI may also be done in order to help confirm the diagnosis. Any cancer between stages 0 to IV can be determined by a biopsy, chest X-ray, and/or CT or MRI scans.
Your treatment options depend on the progression of uterine cancer, age, and general health. Depending on these factors the doctor will recommend a combination of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Your doctors can then decide what treatment plan is best for you on the basis of the extent and aggression of the cancer cells.
It is always a good idea to get a second opinion from the referrals made by your doctor to specialists.
Follow-up care is crucial when it comes to recovery. With regular follow-ups, complications can be treated early, and possible cancer recurrence can be diagnosed early.
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