Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is a cancer that forms in the lining of the uterus, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. When the cells in the endometrium start to grow rapidly in the lining of the uterus, it thickens and can form a tumor. The cells can also metastasize to other parts of the body.
Symptoms
The Illinois department of Public Health stated uterine cancer typically occurs after menopause or around the time menopause starts. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. The bleeding starts off as a watery blood flow which over time produces more blood.
According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America some of the symptoms of uterine cancer would be:
- Uncommon vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Unusual vaginal discharge without any visible blood
- Recurrent urination
- Pain in the abdomen
- A mass in the vagina
- Always feeling full
Risk factors
There are increased chances of developing the cancer depending on these risk factor. According to the Illinois department of Public Health some of the risk factors are:
- Those older than 50 years of age
- Endometrial hyperplasia which is an increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Having an inherited form of colorectal cancer
- Having benign growths of the uterine lining
- Starting menstruation before age 12
What you can do
According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, frequent pelvic exams can help detect any form of cancer. Endometrial cancer is also treatable. The Illinois department of Public Health discusses treatment options such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Sources:
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Endometrial-Cancer#symptoms
https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/symptoms?invsrc=non_branded_paid_search_google&t_pur=prospecting&t_med=online&t_ch=paid_search&t_adg=66244839992&t_ctv=328579217226&t_mtp=b&t_pos=1t1&t_plc=kwd-547117020907&t_si=google&t_tac=none&t_con=non_brand&t_bud=corp&t_d=c&t_tar=non_targeted&t_aud=any&kxconfid=s8ymtai82&dskid=%7btrackerid%7d&t_mod=cpc&t_cam=1691255719&t_trm=%2Bcancer%20%2Bsymptom%20%2Buterine&t_src=g&gclid=CjwKCAiAqOriBRAfEiwAEb9oXb7K8TDfs2rnbSL9FHyS26mpm1HpVNyUcq4cRJHKWI6xkKiTR-ZEshoC7iUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/uterine.htm
