Symptoms of uterine cancer:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause is the most common symptoms of uterine cancer. Bleeding may start as a watery, blood-streaked flow that may gradually contain clots of of blood. A women should see her doctor if she has any of the following symptoms: *unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge *difficult or painful urination *pain during intercourse *pain in pelvic area
These symptoms could be caused by cancer or a less serious condition. only a doctor can tell for sure.
The Diagnosis
If a women has any of the above symptoms the doctor will ask her about her medical history and conduct a physical exam. At that time a blood and a urine test are usually taken. The doctor decides what tests or procedures will follow. A pelvic exam is performed, in which the doctor checks the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder and rectum. The doctor feels the organs for any lumps or changes in shape or size . The pap test is often performed during a pelvic exam. The doctor uses a wooden scraper (spatula) to collect a sample of cells from the cervix and upper vagina. The cells are then sent to a laboratory to be checked for abnormal changes. Since uterine cancer begins inside the uterus, it may not show up on a pap test. A biopsy may be necessary to help the doctor make a diagnosis. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus. Sometimes a woman may need a dilation and curettage (D&C), which is usually same day surgery done in a hospital with anesthesia. During a d&c, the opening of the cervix is widened and the doctor scrapes tissue from the lining of the uterus. A pathologist examines the tissue to check for cancer cells, hyperplasia, or other conditions
The following are possible causes of uterine cancer:
*Age: cancer of the uterus is most common in women over the age of fifty. *Estrogen Replacement Therapy: women who use estrogen replacement therapy to control symptoms of menopause, to prevent osteoporosis, or to reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke may also have an increased risk of uterine cancer. *Overweight: some scientist believe that too much estrogen may be the reason why overweight women are more likely to develop uterine cancer as women of normal weight. *Diabetes and High blood pressure. *Other cancers: women with a history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, or breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer
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