Uterine cancer

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Uterine cancer
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, weight loss
Complications	Metastasis, anemia, infertility
Onset	Most common in postmenopausal women
Duration	Varies
Types	Endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma
Causes	Genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances
Risks	Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause
Diagnosis	Pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis
Prevention	Weight management, oral contraceptives, physical activity
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good if detected early
Frequency	Most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries
Deaths	Varies by stage and treatment

Cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the uterus. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium.

Types

Uterine cancer primarily includes two types:

• Endometrial cancer: This is the most prevalent form of uterine cancer, accounting for more than 90% of cases. It typically occurs in postmenopausal women and is often detected at an early stage due to abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Uterine sarcoma: This is a rarer form of uterine cancer that originates in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus. It is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis compared to endometrial cancer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of uterine cancer include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss

Risk factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing uterine cancer, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Use of estrogen without progesterone
• Family history of uterine or colorectal cancer

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of uterine cancer typically involves:

• Pelvic examination
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy

Treatment

Treatment options for uterine cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer and may include:

• Surgery: The most common treatment is a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus.
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for uterine cancer varies based on the type and stage of the cancer at diagnosis. Early-stage endometrial cancer has a high survival rate, while uterine sarcoma has a less favorable outcome.

Prevention

Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and discussing the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with a healthcare provider.

Epidemiology

Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States. The incidence is higher in developed countries compared to developing countries.

Images

Global mortality rates for uterine cancer

See also

• Endometrial cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer