Leaders in Diagnosing and Treating Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, which is also known as endometrial cancer, begins in the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus. Most of these are endometrioid adenocarcinomas (they originate in cells that produce mucus and other fluids). Serous adenocarcinos are tumors that are likely to spread to the lymph nodes, while more rare adenosquamous carcinomas are a hybrid of an adenocarcinoma and carcinoma of the squamous cells lining the outer part of the uterus. Uterine sarcomas develop in uterine muscles and tissues; they can have elements of sarcomas and adenocarcinomas , and can spread to the lymph nodes as well as other parts of the body.

What Are the Early Signs of Uterine Cancer?

More than 90 percent of women with uterine (endometrial) cancer experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge that does not have signs of blood. It may be watery, pink or white.
• Difficult urination
• Painful urination.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause and bleeding between periods
• Any other abnormal vaginal bleeding

Common symptoms of uterine tumors (sarcomas) include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• A mass (lump or growth) in the vagina
• Frequent urination
• Always feeling full

What Are Advanced Uterine Cancer Symptoms?

At later, more advanced stages of uterine cancer, common symptoms may include:

• Pelvic pain
• Unexplained, unintentional weight loss
• Weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs. This is an indication that the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other bodily organs.

Am I at Risk of Uterine Cancer?

There are various risk factors for uterine cancer, such as:

• Obesity
• Radiation therapy
• Taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer

Most women develop uterine cancer after menopause, but many types are curable. According to the American Cancer Society, it can seem that endometrial cancer and colon cancer run in families; some families do have a higher risk for these types of cancers due to a DNA defect.

Hope for Uterine Cancer Recovery

Diagnostic tests can include physical exams, imaging tests such as ultrasounds, blood tests, and biopsies. Treatments can vary from surgery (most common) to radiation and hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials. Brachytherapy, a minimally invasive radiation therapy treatment for several types of gynecologic cancers including endometrial cancer, may also be an option. Your oncologist will work with you to evaluate your health and learn about your treatment preferences. Then he or she can give you all of your options for treatment, empowering you to make a decision that’s right for you.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best gynecologic cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.