If uterine cancer is diagnosed, your doctor needs to learn the extent (stage)
of the disease to help you choose the best treatment. The stage is based on
whether the cancer has invaded nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the
body.
When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the
new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary
(original) tumor. For example, if uterine cancer spreads to the lung, the cancer
cells in the lung are actually uterine cancer cells. The disease is metastatic
uterine cancer, not lung cancer. It's treated as uterine cancer, not as lung
cancer. Doctors sometimes call the new tumor "distant" disease.
To learn whether uterine cancer has spread, your doctor may order one or more
tests:
Lab tests: A Pap test can show whether cancer cells have spread to the
cervix, and blood tests can show how well the liver and kidneys are working.
Also, your doctor may order a blood test for a substance known as CA-125. Cancer
may cause a high level of CA-125.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the chest can show a tumor in the lung.
CT scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed
pictures of your pelvis, abdomen, or chest. You may receive an injection of
contrast material so your lymph nodes and other tissues show up clearly in the
pictures. A CT scan can show cancer in the uterus, lymph nodes, lungs, or
elsewhere.
MRI: A large machine with a strong magnet linked to a computer is used to
make detailed pictures of your uterus and lymph nodes. You may receive an
injection of contrast material. MRI can show cancer in the uterus, lymph nodes,
or other tissues in the abdomen.
In most cases, surgery is needed to learn the
stage of uterine cancer. The surgeon removes the uterus and may take tissue
samples from the pelvis and abdomen. After the uterus is removed, it is checked
to see how deeply the tumor has grown. Also, the other tissue samples are
checked for cancer cells. These are the stages of uterine cancer:
Stage 0: The abnormal cells are found only on the surface of the inner lining
of the uterus. The doctor may call this carcinoma in situ.
Stage I: The tumor has grown through the inner lining of the uterus to the
endometrium. It may have invaded the myometrium.
Stage II: The tumor has invaded the cervix.
Stage III: The tumor has grown through the uterus to reach nearby tissues,
such as the vagina or a lymph node.
Stage IV: The tumor has invaded the bladder or intestine. Or, cancer cells
have spread to parts of the body far away from the uterus, such as the liver,
lungs, or bones.
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.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The majority of caregivers are middle-aged women. Caregiving can be very stressful, so it's important to recognize when it's putting to much strain on you and to take steps to prevent/relieve stress.
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.
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