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Article by Pat Lovejoy
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.
Most endometrial cancers are carcinomas, which means that they originate from the epithelium, a thin layer of cells lining the uterus. Type I cancers occur mostly in women before or near menopause. These are minimally invasive and have a good prognosis. Type II carcinomas occur most commonly in African-American women past the age of menopause and have a poor prognosis. Endometrial sarcoma, originating from the connective tissue of the uterus, is less common.
Symptoms ? The most common symptom of uterine cancer is vaginal bleeding. Prior to menopause, this can be heavier or longer periods than normal or bleeding in between periods. In women past the age of menopause, this is any bleeding at all and should not be ignored. Post-menopausal bleeding may well be an innocent fluke, but it could also be a sign of something more sinister that can easily be nipped in the bud if it is caught early. Pain during sex, difficulty emptying the bladder, lower abdominal pain or cramping may also be present. In women with irregular periods or for whom normal menses are lengthy, painful or heavy it can be difficult to differentiate between what is normal and what is worth ?troubling? the doctor for. If in doubt, check it out!
Diagnosis ? It is essential that you report to your doctor any of the symptoms described above. He will conduct a physical examination and probably take some blood tests. Vaginal ultrasound may be performed; this involves gently inserting a smooth instrument into the vagina about the size of a tampon and bouncing sound waves that are detected on a monitor. If your doctor feels it is necessary, he may also request a biopsy. Most of these procedures can be conducted in your doctor?s office but may involve a brief stay in the hospital.
Treatment ? Cancer of the cervix may be treated by radiation or cone biopsy. Endometrial cancers require a total hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. In all cases, several years of follow-up are recommended to ensure the disease does not recur.
Risk Factors and Causes ? The actual cause is not known but there are recognized risk factors. Some of these are not under conscious control and include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high levels of estrogen, no history of pregnancy or a history of infertility, early start of menses or late menopause or benign uterine growths. 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 controlled, such as a diet that is high in animal fat, obesity, heavy daily alcohol consumption or hypertension (high blood pressure).
Pain and heavy periods are not necessarily normal and not ?part of being a women?. Women should not ignore these symptoms. Most of the time there will be a simple, easily treatable explanation for them. It is unlikely but possible that they do signal uterine cancer. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and uterine fibroids are some of the most common female health issues. Learn more about uterine fibroids and PCOS treatment and symptoms by visiting at PCOSandFibroids.com.
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Tags: cancer, Menace, Secret, Uterine
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