What Is Uterine Cancer? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where fetal development occurs during pregnancy. The most common type of uterine cancer originates in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and is referred to as endometrial cancer. Less commonly, uterine cancer can develop in the muscles of the uterus, known as uterine sarcoma. Uterine cancer primarily affects postmenopausal women, but it can occur at any age. Early detection and treatment are essential for the best outcomes.

Causes of Uterine Cancer

The exact cause of uterine cancer is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from genetic mutations that cause cells in the uterus to grow and divide uncontrollably. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing uterine cancer:

Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone in the body can stimulate the endometrium to grow excessively, leading to abnormal cell changes and increasing the risk of cancer.
Obesity: Excess body fat can lead to higher levels of estrogen, increasing the risk of uterine cancer. Obese women are two to three times more likely to develop uterine cancer than women of a healthy weight.
Age: The risk of uterine cancer increases with age, particularly after menopause, as hormonal changes occur during this stage of life.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: A condition characterized by the thickening of the uterine lining, endometrial hyperplasia, especially with atypical cells, can increase the risk of cancer.
Reproductive History: Women who have never been pregnant, or who have a history of infertility, have a higher risk of uterine cancer due to prolonged exposure to estrogen without the protective effects of progesterone from pregnancy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Using estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Combined HRT (estrogen and progesterone) has a lower risk.
Genetics: Certain inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), increase the risk of uterine and other cancers.
Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of uterine cancer, possibly due to the association between diabetes and obesity.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods and increased levels of estrogen, heightening the risk of endometrial cancer.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

The symptoms of uterine cancer can vary, but the most common signs include:

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This is the most common symptom, especially in postmenopausal women. It can include bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, or any bleeding after menopause.
Pelvic Pain: Pain or a feeling of fullness in the pelvic area can be a sign of uterine cancer.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge: A watery or blood-tinged discharge that is not related to menstruation can be a symptom of uterine cancer.
Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse may indicate uterine cancer or other gynecological conditions.
Frequent Urination: Increased frequency or difficulty urinating can occur if the cancer spreads to nearby tissues.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a sign of advanced uterine cancer.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Treatments for Uterine Cancer

Treatment for uterine cancer depends on the type, stage, overall health, and preferences of the patient. Common treatment options include:

Surgery:
- Hysterectomy: The most common treatment for uterine cancer is the surgical removal of the uterus. This can be a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) or a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues).
- Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: This procedure involves the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes, often performed alongside a hysterectomy to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
- Lymph Node Dissection: Nearby lymph nodes may be removed to check for cancer spread.
Radiation Therapy:
- External Beam Radiation: Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells from outside the body.
- Brachytherapy: Involves placing radioactive material inside the uterus or vagina to directly target cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy:
- Used to treat cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. Medications that block estrogen or lower hormone levels can help slow the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is often used for advanced or recurrent uterine cancer.
Chemotherapy:
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It is often used for advanced stages of cancer or when cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
Targeted Therapy:
- Targeted drugs work by focusing on specific abnormalities within cancer cells. These drugs can be used alone or with chemotherapy to treat advanced or recurrent uterine cancer.
Immunotherapy:
- This treatment helps boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It may be used for advanced uterine cancer that does not respond to other treatments.
Clinical Trials:
- Participation in clinical trials can provide access to new and potentially more effective treatments for uterine cancer.

Prevention of Uterine Cancer

While not all cases of uterine cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes and preventive measures can reduce the risk:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Managing weight through diet and exercise can lower the risk of uterine cancer by reducing excess estrogen levels.
Use Birth Control Pills: Long-term use of oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progesterone can reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
Manage Diabetes: Controlling blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk associated with diabetes.
Consider Risk Factors: If you have a family history of uterine or other related cancers, discuss genetic counseling and screening options with your healthcare provider.
Treat Endometrial Hyperplasia: Early treatment of abnormal endometrial growth can prevent progression to cancer.

Uterine cancer is a serious condition, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful outcomes. If you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your risk of uterine cancer, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms are key to managing the risk and ensuring timely intervention.