Uterine Cancer Symptoms - Recognising Female Reproductive Malignancies

Uterus Cancer Guide: Warning Signs, Testing & Treatment Options

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a malignancy that begins in the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is one of the most common gynaecological cancers, particularly affecting women after menopause. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly, especially after age 50. In fact, about 1 in 40 women is estimated to develop uterine cancer during her lifetime.

This type of cancer often develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, the most common is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. However, such signs are frequently mistaken for other benign conditions, though fortunately, most cases are still diagnosed at an early stage due to the prominence of symptoms like bleeding.

Early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. Recognising subtle symptoms and seeking timely medical attention can significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Read ahead to learn about the symptoms of uterus cancer.

What are the symptoms of uterus cancer?

Here are the common uterus cancer symptoms:

1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding : One of the most common and early symptoms of uterus cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. This may include heavy or irregular periods or bleeding between periods in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding is considered abnormal and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
2. Pelvic Pain or Discomfort : Women with uterus cancer may experience persistent pelvic pain or discomfort. This can range from a dull ache to sharp pains, often occurring after or during sexual intercourse or while urinating. This symptom is frequently mistaken for menstrual cramps or other benign conditions.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss : Rapid, unexplained weight loss is typically a symptom of advanced or metastatic uterus cancer. This occurs when the body's metabolism is altered by the cancer or as a result of other systemic effects like poor nutrient absorption due to the cancer's spread.
4. Pain During Urination or Bowel Movements : If the cancer spreads beyond the uterus, it can affect the bladder or rectum, leading to pain during urination or bowel movements. Women may also experience a frequent urge to urinate or feel as if their bladder is never fully empty.
5. Swelling or Lump in the Abdomen : As the tumour grows, it can cause noticeable abdominal swelling or the formation of a lump in the lower abdomen. This swelling may be accompanied by discomfort, a feeling of fullness, or bloating, which might mimic other gastrointestinal issues.
6. Fatigue : Women with uterus cancer often experience extreme fatigue, feeling unusually tired even after resting. This can be a result of the body's immune response to the cancer or a side effect of cancer’s impact on overall health.
7. Back Pain : Pain in the lower back can also occur, particularly if the cancer has spread to surrounding structures or organs. This pain may be persistent and can worsen with movement or pressure, often requiring further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
8. Change in Menstrual Cycle : Women who have not yet reached menopause may notice changes in their menstrual cycle, such as heavier or longer periods, spotting between periods, or irregular cycles. These changes could be an early indication of uterus cancer.
9. Painful Intercourse : Sexual intercourse may become painful, particularly if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues. This can lead to discomfort during penetration or pelvic pressure, which should not be ignored if persistent.

What are the causes of uterus cancer?

The following factors are known to increase the risk of developing uterus cancer, although the exact cause remains unclear:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Age and menopausal status
• Genetics and family history
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Understanding these risks can aid in early detection and prevention strategies for better outcomes.

How to Diagnose Uterine Cancer?

Several tests and procedures are used to confirm the diagnosis of uterus cancer and rule out other conditions. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to examine the uterus for abnormalities, including thickening of the endometrium, which is a significant risk factor and primary indicator that necessitates a biopsy to rule out cancer.
• Endometrial Biopsy: An endometrial biopsy involves taking a small sample of the uterus lining and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells. It is the most common method for diagnosing uterus cancer.
• Hysteroscopy: During a hysteroscopy, a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the uterus to view the lining directly. This procedure allows doctors to take a tissue sample for biopsy.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C):In cases where a biopsy cannot provide precise results, a D&C procedure may be performed to remove tissue from the uterus for further examination.
• CT or MRI Scan: These imaging tests may be used to check if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus to other organs, which helps in staging the cancer.

What are the treatment options for uterus cancer?

The primary treatment for uterus cancer, depending on the stage and progression of the disease, includes the following:

• Surgery: The most common treatment is surgery, specifically a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries).
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells or as a primary treatment for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It is often used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Hormone Therapy: For certain types of uterus cancer, hormone therapy may be used to block the effects of oestrogen, which can fuel the growth of the cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medication that specifically targets cancer cells without affecting normal cells. This treatment is typically used for advanced cancers.

How to Prevent Uterus Cancer?

There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing uterus cancer or detect it in its early stages:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the risk of developing uterus cancer, particularly for those with obesity-related risks.
• Use of Birth Control: Long-term use of oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of developing uterus cancer by regulating hormonal levels.
• Control Diabetes: Managing diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels in check can reduce the risk of developing uterus cancer, especially in women who are also overweight.
• Regular Gynaecological Checkups: Regular gynaecological examinations and screenings can help detect abnormalities early, particularly for those at higher risk due to their family history or other reasons.
• Avoiding Unopposed Ooestrogen Therapy: In women undergoing hormone replacement therapy, using progesterone along with oestrogen can reduce the risk of developing uterus cancer by balancing hormonal levels.

Uterine cancer, especially endometrial cancer, demands early recognition of symptoms like abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain for effective treatment. Timely diagnosis significantly improves survival rates.