Uterine Cancer

Overview of Uterine Cancer

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of uterine cancer early can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Here are the common signs and symptoms to watch out for:

→ Early Signs

• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Bleeding between periods, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding after menopause.
• Pelvic Pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
• Discharge: Unusual or watery vaginal discharge not related to menstruation.

→ Advanced Symptoms

• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Difficulty Urinating: Pain or difficulty while urinating, indicating possible spread to nearby tissues.

→ When to See a Specialist?

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a cancer specialist promptly. Early detection is key to effective treatment and improved outcomes. Do not ignore symptoms, even if they seem minor or unrelated.

→ Whom to Consult?

You should consult a gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist if you have symptoms or risk factors associated with uterine cancer. These specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat cancers of the female reproductive system.

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial in the effective treatment of uterine cancer. At Kolhapur Cancer Centre, we utilize a comprehensive approach to ensure precise detection and staging of uterine cancer. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process:

→ Initial Consultation

The diagnostic journey typically begins with an initial consultation where you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors with a specialist. This step is essential for your doctor to understand your overall health and identify any warning signs of uterine cancer.

→ Physical Examination

During a physical examination, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the pelvic area to check for any abnormalities. This exam may include:

• Visual Inspection: Checking for visible abnormalities in the vaginal and cervical area.
• Manual Examination: Feeling for lumps or irregularities in the uterus and surrounding areas.

→ Imaging Tests

Imaging tests provide detailed pictures of the internal structures and help in identifying the extent of the cancer. Common imaging tests include:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: An ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to produce images of the uterus and endometrium.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Combines X-ray images taken from different angles to create a comprehensive picture of the pelvic area.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Uses a small amount of radioactive material to highlight cancerous cells.

→ Biopsy

A definitive diagnosis of uterine cancer is made through a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Types of biopsies include:

• Endometrial Biopsy: A small sample of endometrial tissue is removed using a thin, flexible tube.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus for examination.

→ What is the Gold Standard Test for Confirmed Diagnosis?

The gold standard test for confirming a diagnosis of uterine cancer is an endometrial biopsy. This procedure involves removing a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus and examining it under a microscope to detect cancerous cells.

→ Next Steps to Take

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the next steps typically involve staging the cancer to determine its extent and developing a treatment plan. This may include additional imaging tests, consultations with Cancer specialists, and discussions of treatment options.

At Kolhapur Cancer Centre, we understand that every patient’s journey with uterine cancer is unique. Our comprehensive treatment plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Here are the primary treatment options available for uterine cancer:

→ Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for uterine cancer, especially in its early stages. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Types of surgical procedures include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, often including the cervix. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, while a radical hysterectomy also removes part of the vagina and surrounding tissues.
• Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes, often performed along with a hysterectomy.
• Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for the spread of cancer.

→ Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. There are two main types:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers radiation from outside the body, focusing on the cancerous area.
• Brachytherapy: Involves placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor, providing a high dose of radiation to the cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

→ Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used when cancer has spread beyond the uterus.

Chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments to increase effectiveness. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections.

→ Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy involves the use of hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to slow the growth of uterine cancer cells. This treatment is often used for cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Common hormone therapies include:

• Progestins: Synthetic forms of progesterone that can help slow the growth of uterine cancer cells.
• Tamoxifen: A drug that blocks estrogen receptors on cancer cells.
• Aromatase Inhibitors: Drugs that lower the amount of estrogen in the body.

→ Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually while doing little damage to normal cells. This treatment targets specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be an option for advanced uterine cancers that express certain genetic markers.

→ What is the Gold Standard Treatment for Uterine Cancer?

The gold standard treatment for uterine cancer often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

For early-stage uterine cancer, a hysterectomy combined with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes) is the most common and effective treatment.

In more advanced stages, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to target and kill remaining cancer cells.

The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage and type of uterine cancer, as well as the individual’s overall health and preferences. Each case is unique, and a team of oncologists will work together to determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

→ What are Some Emerging Treatments for Uterine Cancer?

As research continues to progress, new treatments for uterine cancer are being developed and tested. Some emerging treatments include:

• Immunotherapy: This form of therapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight against cancer cells.
• Angiogenesis inhibitors: Drugs that prevent the growth of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to cancer cells.
• PARP inhibitors: Drugs that block enzymes involved in repairing damaged DNA, thus preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing.