Uterine Cancer – The Silent Killer

Malignancy of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, is the third most common cancer killer in women. It shouldn’t be. Each year, over 35,000 women in America are diagnosed with uterine cancer. Other forms of the disease include cancer of the cervix, sarcoma of the myometrium (uterine muscle) and trophoblastic disease, arising from embryonic stem cells that later form the placenta in pregnancy.

The majority of endometrial cancers originate in the layer of cells that line the uterus. There are two types, Type I and Type II. Type I occur mainly in women before or nearing menopause. These cancers are minimally invasive and have a good outcome. Type II are usually found in African-American women who have gone through the menopause. These have a poor prognosis. Less common, endometrial sarcoma originates in the uterine connective tissue.

Symptoms – Vaginal bleeding is usually the first and most common symptom. Before the age of menopause, this can mean heavier or lengthier periods than normal or perhaps in between normal menses. In women beyond the age of menopause, any bleeding at all is a suggestion that there is a problem and should never be ignored. Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, pain during sex or pain or difficulty in emptying the bladder should also be reported. For women who typically have irregular or heavy periods, it may be difficult to identify an unusual pattern.

Diagnosis – The doctor will perform an internal examination and may take blood samples to be sent off for testing. He may perform or request a vaginal ultrasound examination. This involves the insertion of a gentle probe, about the size of a tampon, and monitoring on a screen. It may be necessary to take a biopsy, either in the doctor’s office or in a hospital.

Treatment – For cancers of the cervix, a cone biopsy may be performed or the problem may be treated with radiation. For other cancers of the uterus, a total hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries may be necessary.

Causes and Risk Factors – The actual cause is not known but there are recognized risk factors. These are high estrogen levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), difficulty conceiving or no history of pregnancy, early onset of menstruation or late cessation of periods (menopause). Other risk factors are cancers of the breast or ovaries, use of Tamoxifen (a cancer drug), pelvic radiation, being over the age of 35, diabetes or a history of anovulatory menstrual cycles.

Prevention – Some risk factors can be reduced by the individual. These include high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, a high fat diet (in particular, animal fats). A high daily consumption of alcohol may also elevate the risk.

Heavy menstrual periods, pain and bleeding after menopause are not normal and not something that women have to put up with. Symptoms should never be ignored. There are a lot of innocent and easily treatable conditions that share these symptoms but it is impossible to tell without the necessary diagnostic procedures. Never make the assumption that there is no thing seriously wrong.

Fibroids are one form of tumors in the uterus. If you suffer from these tumors and are looking for some information about fibroids treatment options, you need to visit PCOSandFibroids.com. The site has resources and information also about natural home remedies to treat fibroids.