How many times have you ignored that niggling pain in your back, that discomfort you feel in your lower abdomen? Well, know that most women are like you, making them less likely to notice that there is something seriously wrong in their body before it’s too late. Cancer is one such disease where the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis. In all the diseases that can affect women, uterine cancer is one of the leading forms of cancer. Wondering what it is? We spoke to Dr Aby K Koshy about uterine cancer, here are your most common questions about the cancer answered.
What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer is a cancerous tumor arising from either the inner or outer lining of the womb or uterus. One that forms on the inner lining is called cancer of the endometrium and a tumor arising from the body of the uterus is called a uterine sarcoma. Read more about endometrosis.
Which type of uterine cancer is the most dangerous?
When a woman is diagnosed with uterine cancer, the doctor will usually take a biopsy to classify the tumor. The cancer is classified based on the type of tissue seen in the tumor, in a process known as histopathology. In general, sarcomas of the uterus have a poor outcome and are the most dangerous. The good news is that sarcomas are quite rare compared to the more common and less dangerous cancer of the endometrium.
Who is at a greater risk of suffering from the disease?
Women who are obese and have irregular or infrequent menses are more likely to develop cancer of the endometrium.
Are there any factors that women encounter on a daily basis that could lead to this type of cancer?
Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy taken by women after the menopause might increase the chances of developing this type of cancer.
What are the symptoms of this condition? How can a woman recognize it?
The most common symptom is the presence of bleeding after the menopause. Younger women might have bleeding in between periods or prolonged bleeding during the menses.
How is it diagnosed?
A gynecologist will examine you and ask for a pelvic ultrasound scan. This helps in identifying women who have a chance of having this type of cancer. A biopsy of the lining of the womb (endometrial biopsy) is usually needed to confirm the presence of cancer. This procedure might sometimes need administration of some form of anesthesia.
In some women, a procedure called as hysteroscopy, where a thin telescope is introduced inside the uterus might be useful. This helps in identifying suspicious areas and helps the doctor take a biopsy under direct vision.
What are the treatment options one has?
If the woman has a pre-cancerous condition, she might need hormone therapy with progesterone to treat the problem. If a cancerous condition has been confirmed after a biopsy, the treatment is usually by surgery, which involves the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Additional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy would depend on the type of cancer and how extensively the disease has spread.
What is the mortality rate of this cancer?
Cancers which are diagnosed early have an excellent outlook. Such women have a less than 10% chance of disease recurrence over a 5 year period. In certain types of cancers and if the disease is diagnosed at a stage where it has spread to other organs, the prognosis is poorer.
Can a woman have children after treatment?
A woman who needs removal of the uterus as part of her treatment can have biological children by surrogacy. Women with pre-cancerous stages of the cancer, can try to get pregnant after completion of their treatment.
How can one prevent the onset of disease?
A healthy lifestyle and maintaining one’s body weight will help reduce your chances of suffering from cancer. If you have irregular menses or bleeding after reaching menopause, you should see your gynaecologist for evaluation.
You may also like to read:
- Breast cancer: Top 10 myths busted
- ‘Breast cancer is not preventable’ (Expert interview)
- One sure-fire tip to beat breast cancer!
- How to do a breast self-examination to check for cancer
- Living (and dying) with cancer
- Immunity-boosting foods that are available in India and easy on the pocket!
Dr Aby K Koshy is a Consultant Gynaecologist, specialising in reproductive medicine at Sunrise Hospital
Disclaimer: The answers does not substitute a formal consultation with the doctor. Sunrise Hospital and its consultants are not responsible for any adverse effects arising out of the illness or fatality related to the question mentioned or any remedies mentioned herein. It is always advisable to visit your consultant doctor for proper medication & faster recovery.