Comment from: Traceylee, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: March 26
I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with uterine cancer in February of 2009, which was discovered while seeing a fertility specialist to get pregnant. I already have three children, but I am in a relationship with a man who has not had children. I am told it is grade 1, which has mature and slow-growing cells. So, there is little risk in putting off having the hysterectomy if we wish to pursue trying to conceive. I am awaiting an MRI and CT scan that may help with the decision-making process. What a rollercoaster of emotions!
Comment from: msanders5481, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: March 05
I am 27 years old. My only risk factors are that I am a white female. I was diagnosed with uterine cancer on 06/06/07. I started chemo that day and will have my last treatment this month. I also had a complete hysterectomy, which is what the doctor said was best for long-term remission. I just keep my fingers crossed and pray and thank God every day. My best advice is eat right, exercise, find something that relaxes you, and maintain a good attitude; it will help you heal much better, and it feels better being cheerful instead of dwelling on “why me?” Remember, who would you really wish this on? Keep in mind, "What doesn't destroy me only makes me stronger!"
Comment from: NE female, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: February 24
I am 49 years old and was diagnosed this summer with endometrial cancer. I sought an evaluation because I had been bleeding for three weeks. I had a total hysterectomy and the pathology report indicated that it was contained in the endometrium. It took a good five to seven weeks to rest before I returned to work. No further treatment (chemo/radiation) was needed. I just went back for my four-month check-up and they thought I was doing fine. I feel fortunate to have the positive prognosis. I am thinking of all of you who are dealing with the same diagnosis. May you have the support and good medical care you need. I continue to worry about the possibility of a reoccurrence down the road, but I hope that it is over.
Comment from: laura9, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: February 24
I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer Dec. 28, 2007. I was 45 years old. I had a total hysterectomy on Jan. 14, 2008 followed by 28 external radiation treatments and two internal treatments. My cancer was stage I, grade III. What bothered me is that I always had yearly pap smears and had one in April of 2007 that told my doctor I was experiencing heavier bleeding than usual. They checked me for anemia, and that was it. I took it upon myself to get a second opinion a few months later and thankfully this doctor did a transvaginal ultrasound and found the sarcoma. I thought I was starting menopause! Boy was I wrong! But I was also very lucky! I've been cancer-free for one year, and my prognosis is very good.
Comment from: Anonymous, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: November 19
My mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer when she was 37. She underwent a complete hysterectomy. We celebrated her 70th birthday this year. The only risk factor she had was being Caucasian. You truly never know. My sister is 37 and I am 48; we have both had pre-cancerous pap smears and both have had elective hysterectomies.
Published: July 28
I have been misdiagnosed with cervical cancer. After meeting with my oncologist and having exploratory surgery it is now diagnosed as Uterine Cancer, Stomach and going into part of my lymphatic system. I am in stage IV and my Doctor told me this is a very aggressive cancer, and if I do not choose treatment I have only a month to live. If the chemo works, I have surgery in 3 mos. and possibly 3-5 years. I don't get how I could have only had it for about a month? I eat healthy and I am only 46. All articles states the age for this type of cancer is 55-70 year olds. This all started just on July 10th when my pap smear came back from pathologist as positive for cervical cancer and it's not cervical. I feel like a lab rat, and I'm frightened.
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Suggested Reading on Uterine Cancer by Our Doctors
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus and are usually round or semi-round in shape. The most common symptom of a uterine fibroid is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include pressure, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, or pain during a bowel movement. Treatment options vary from surgery to medication.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Benign uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Three types of benign uterine growths are uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and uterine polyps. Symptoms include: abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Diagnosis and treatment of benign uterine growths depends upon the type of growth.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
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Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, affects the endometrium of the uterus. It's the most common invasive cancer of the female reproductive system. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, taking estrogen-only hormone therapy, early menstruation, late menopause, and never being pregnant.
A subgroup of the human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are known to cause cancers
of the uterine cervix and other genital areas, the so-called "high risk" HPVs.
The Cervista test is used to diagnose the presence of DNA from the
"high-risk" HPVs in cervical samples.
The sample for the test is taken in the same way that a
Pap smear test is
performed.
There are two Cervista tests available, Cervista HPV 16/18, which
identified the two HPV types most likely to cause cancer, and Cervista HPV HR,
which identifies all "high-risk" HPV types.
Cervista testing is not recommended for routine screening; rather, it is
used in combination with physical examination, medical history, and other
testing to help make decisions about management and follow-up on a case-by-case
basis.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with uterine cancer in February of 2009, which was discovered while seeing a fertility specialist to get pregnant. I already have three children, but I am in a relationship with a man who has not had children. I am told it is grade 1, which has mature and slow-growing cells. So, there is little risk in putting off having the hysterectomy if we wish to pursue trying to conceive. I am awaiting an MRI and CT scan that may help with the decision-making process. What a rollercoaster of emotions!
Related Reading: uterine cancer | hysterectomy | MRI