Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

What is Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer?

Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, occurs when malignant tumors form inside the uterus. Uterine cancer develops in the lining of the uterus, which is an organ used for reproduction in the female body. Women can sometimes form non-cancerous tumors inside their uterus, but they form no harm to the woman or her body. Cancerous tumors are more serious, and can actually spread to other parts of the uterus and then into the blood stream. The tumors form when abnormal cells multiply within the uterus, causing masses full of abnormal cancerous cells packed together.

Uterine Cancer Statistics

Each year, there are more than 40000 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. About 6500 deaths are related to uterine cancer each year, most of which are older patients who have already experienced menopause. It is estimated that about one in every seventy-five women will develop uterine cancer sometime in their lifetime, but luckily the majority of them will live long enough to tell their survival story.

Prognosis for Uterine Cancer

It is estimated that over 80% of Caucasian women diagnosed with uterine cancer will survive more than five years after they were diagnosed. African American women have about a 60% survival rate after five years, and Asians have slightly less. The prognosis declines in patients with later stages of the disease, and only about 10 to 20% survive stage 4 uterine cancer.

Causes of Uterine Cancer

There are many risk factors that can increase the occurrence of uterine cancer in women, but the exact cause is still unknown. Obesity is one of the main risk factors, since being overweight changes hormones and can cause increased estrogen to form in a woman’s body. Past medical conditions can also increase the risk, such as diabetes, menopause, and many other cancers that affect the reproductive organs. Women who have never given birth are also at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer, especially those who are over the age of 40.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

The major symptoms associated with uterine cancer can also be symptoms of several less severe diseases, such as non-malignant masses that can form in the uterus. Irregular bleeding and uterine or pelvic pain are the two most common symptoms, but cancer should not be assumed when experiencing these symptoms. Problems with urination and some pain during intercourse can also occur, but are less frequent than the two main symptoms.

Treatments for Uterine Cancer

The most common form of treatment for uterine cancer is surgery. Depending on the severity of the cancer, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and sometimes the entire uterus must be removed. Radiation therapy is also used after surgery to kill off any remained cancer cells that may still be present, but can also be used if surgery is not an option. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are sometimes used when uterine cancer has had a chance to spread outside of the uterus, and is usually very effective in killing off cancerous cells in various parts of the body. The treatment of uterus cancer depends on the severity of the disease, the patients past medical history, and the patient’s current healthy status.

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