Uterine Cancer

Causes

• Hormonal Factors: Estrogen imbalance, with excess estrogen and insufficient
  progesterone, may increase the risk.
• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after menopause.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
• Hormone Therapy: Prolonged use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy
  (HRT).
• Family History: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with uterine
  cancer increases the risk.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Condition associated with hormone imbalances
  and obesity.
• Endometrial Hyperplasia: Precancerous condition characterized by overgrowth of the
  endometrium.

Symptoms

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Postmenopausal bleeding or abnormal bleeding between
  periods.
• Pelvic Pain: Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
• Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pelvic Mass: A palpable mass or enlargement of the uterus.
• Unintended Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.

Diagnosis

• Endometrial Biopsy: Removal of a sample of endometrial tissue for examination under a
  microscope to confirm cancer.
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: Imaging test using sound waves to visualize the uterus and
  detect abnormalities.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Procedure to scrape and collect tissue from the lining of the uterus for examination.
• MRI or CT Scan: Imaging tests to assess the extent of the cancer and detect spread to
  other organs.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and possibly other reproductive organs.
  • Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes to assess spread.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells, sometimes used after
  surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used when cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
• Hormone Therapy: Medications to block estrogen production or activity, used in certain
  cases.

Prevention

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor, so maintaining a healthy
  weight can reduce the risk.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity may help prevent uterine cancer.
• Limit Hormone Therapy: Use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the shortest
  duration and at the lowest dose necessary.
• Screening: Women with certain risk factors may benefit from early screening, including
  those with a family history of uterine cancer or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome.
• Report Symptoms Promptly: Seek medical evaluation for any unusual vaginal bleeding
  or pelvic symptoms.