Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus, the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. It’s one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive system, especially in women who have gone through menopause. Most cases of uterine cancer begin in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and are often found early because of warning signs like abnormal bleeding.
This cancer can affect anyone with a uterus, but it is more common in women over 50. When caught early, uterine cancer is often treatable, which is why it’s important to understand the signs, possible causes, and treatment options.
What Causes It And Which Types Exist
Doctors don’t always know exactly what causes uterine cancer, but they do know that certain things can raise your risk. Uterine cancer usually starts when cells in the lining of the uterus begin to grow out of control. This abnormal growth leads to tumors and, over time, can spread to other parts of the body.
Hormones, especially estrogen, play a big role in how the lining of the uterus grows and sheds. If your body has too much estrogen and not enough progesterone to balance it out, the lining may thicken and increase the risk of cancer. This is why things like obesity, hormone therapy, and certain medical conditions can affect your risk.
There are two main types of uterine cancer:
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Endometrial Cancer: This is the most common type and starts in the lining of the uterus. It tends to grow slowly and is usually found early because of abnormal bleeding.
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Uterine Sarcoma: This type is much rarer and starts in the muscles or other tissues of the uterus. It tends to grow faster and may be harder to treat.
Other risk factors include having a history of irregular periods, never having been pregnant, starting your period at a young age, or going through menopause late. Family history and certain inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome can also raise your risk.
Warning Signs And Symptoms
One of the reasons uterine cancer is often found early is because it usually causes noticeable symptoms. However, it’s still important to pay attention to your body, especially if you are postmenopausal. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially bleeding after menopause. Other signs may include:
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Bleeding between periods
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A watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
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Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure
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Pain during sex
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Unexplained weight loss
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A mass or lump in the lower abdomen
These symptoms don’t always mean you have cancer. Infections, hormone changes, and other issues can cause similar problems. Still, it’s important to talk to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right or if your bleeding patterns suddenly change.
How It’s Diagnosed
If your doctor thinks something might be wrong, they will start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and health history. They may do a pelvic exam to feel for any changes in the shape or size of the uterus. If abnormal bleeding is present, further tests are usually needed.
A common test is an endometrial biopsy, where a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed and looked at under a microscope. This can usually be done in the doctor’s office and is one of the quickest ways to check for cancer. If more information is needed, an ultrasound may be done to get images of the uterus. This can show if the lining looks thicker than it should be. In some cases, a hysteroscopy is used, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the uterus to look directly at the lining.
If cancer is confirmed, more tests like CT scans, MRIs, or chest X-rays may be done to see if the cancer has spread and to help plan treatment.
Treatment Options And Care
The treatment plan for uterine cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Most cases are caught early, which means the cancer is still in the uterus and has not spread to other parts of the body. Early-stage cancers usually respond well to treatment.
Common treatment options include:
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Surgery: This is usually the first step and often involves removing the uterus, called a hysterectomy. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
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Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation may be used before or after surgery, or sometimes instead of surgery.
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Hormone Therapy: This may be used if the cancer is hormone-sensitive. It involves taking medications that block or lower estrogen levels to help stop the cancer from growing.
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Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill cancer cells, especially in more advanced stages or if the cancer has spread.
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Targeted Therapy: Some newer treatments focus on attacking cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. These are often used when standard treatments aren’t working.
Recovery depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer and how well your body responds to treatment. Follow-up care is important to check for signs that the cancer has returned and to manage any side effects.
Living With Uterine Cancer
A diagnosis of uterine cancer can be scary, but many women go on to live healthy, full lives after treatment. The most important step is catching it early and working closely with your healthcare team to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
During and after treatment, you may deal with emotional and physical changes. Some women struggle with the idea of losing their uterus or going into early menopause. Others may feel tired, anxious, or unsure about the future. It’s okay to ask for help. Support groups, counselors, and loved ones can all play a big role in helping you heal.
Eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest can also help your body recover. Regular checkups with your doctor are important, even after treatment is finished, to keep an eye on your health and catch any problems early.
Uterine cancer is serious, but with the right care and attention, it can be treated effectively—especially when found early. Knowing the signs, understanding your risk, and staying informed can make all the difference.
