Endometrial Cancer: Screening & Prevention; Symptoms; Treatment Options in India

EndometrialCancer (Uterine Cancer)

The most common cancer of a reproductive system of a woman is known as uterine cancer. This cancer starts in cell layers that form the lining of the uterus. This cancer can be detected in its early stage as it causes abnormal vaginal bleeding. The surgical removal of the uterus can cure uterine cancer.

Types of Uterine Cancer :- 

Sarcoma: Sarcoma cancer grows in the supporting tissues of the uterine glands or in the myometrium. This cancer accounts for 2-4% of uterine cancers.

Adenocarcinoma: This cancer is considered as the main type of uterine cancer that grows from the cells in the uterus lining. Endometrial cancer is the other name of this cancer.

The Symptoms of Uterine Cancer include :

• Unusual Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
• Trouble Urinating
• Pelvic Pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen

Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer)

A pelvic exam is performed by the doctors checking the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum for Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer). An instrument called a speculum is used to widen the vagina so the doctor can see the upper portion of the vagina and the cervix.

The Pap Smear test is often performed during a pelvic exam Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer). The doctor uses a wooden scraper (spatula) or small brush to collect a sample of cells from the cervix and upper vagina. The cells are then sent to a medical laboratory to be checked for abnormal changes. Because uterine cancer begins inside the uterus, it may not show up on a Pap test, which examines cells from the cervix.

A biopsy may be needed for a definitive diagnosis where the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the uterine lining. In some cases, a woman may require a dilation and curettage (D&C), which is usually a day care procedure. During a D&C, the opening of the cervix is widened and the doctor scrapes tissue from the lining of the uterus. A pathologist examines the tissue to check for cancer cells, hyperplasia, or other conditions.

Common Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer) Symptoms

•   Abnormal bleeding- heavy bleeding between periods, or heavy bleeding  during irregular periods
•    Pain during intercourse, pelvic pain or pain in the legs or back
•    Difficulty urinating or pain during urination
•    Enlarged uterus , Vaginal discharge and or unexplained weight loss

The following are the stages of endometrial cancer

Stage I of endometrial cancer

In  stage I, cancer is found in the uterus only. Stage I is divided into stages IA, IB, and IC, based on how far the cancer has spread.

• Stage IA: Cancer is in the endometrium only.
• Stage IB: Cancer has spread into the inner half of the myometrium.
• Stage IC: Cancer has spread into the outer half of the myometrium.

Stage II of endometrial cancer 
In stage II, cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix, but has not spread outside the uterus. Stage II is divided into stages IIA and IIB, based on how far the cancer has spread into the cervix.

• Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to the glands where the cervix and uterus meet.
• Stage IIB: Cancer has spread into the connective tissue of the cervix.

Stage III of endometrial cancer

In stage III, cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix, but has not spread beyond the pelvis. Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, based on how far the cancer has spread within the pelvis.

• Stage IIIA: Cancer has spread to one or more of the following:
• The outermost layer of the uterus; or
• Tissue just beyond the uterus; or
• The peritoneum.
• Stage IIIB: Cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix, into the vagina.
• Stage IIIC: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the uterus.

Stage IV of endometrial cancer

In stage IV, cancer has spread beyond the pelvis. Stage IV is divided into stages IVA and IVB, based on how far the cancer has spread.

• Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to the bladder and/or bowel wall.
• Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body beyond the pelvis, including lymph nodes in the abdomen and/or groin.

Surgical Treatment of EndometrialCancer (Uterine Cancer)

Surgery is the best option when Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer) is diagnosed in its very early stages. At this time, the location and the stage of cancer make removal easy. Sometimes patients are treated with a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Laparoscopy Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy - involves the minimally invasive or open surgery to remove the uterus. If required teh surgeon may decide to remove both ovaries and the fallopian tubes if there is a risk of Endometrial cancer spread to the ovaries.

In most cases, uterine cancer is an Adenocarcinoma that metastasizes late, usually from the endometrium to the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other peritoneal structures. It may spread to distant organs, such as the lungs and the brain, through the blood or the lymphatic system. In such cases advanced tratement post Hystrectomy like Chemotherapy and Radiation are advised

Chemotherapy 

Involves modern cancer drugs that are administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells and to reduce the chances of the tumour returning elsewhere in the body.


Radiation therapy 

India's leading Cancer hospitals now have some of the world's moset advanced radiation equipment like Linac, Novelis, Gamma Knife and Cyberknife for treating Colon rectal Cancers. High technology radiation is used to kill cancer cells without affecting the healthy tissues. Radiation may be used to reduce the tumor prior to surgery or to obviate the symptoms of colorectal cancer such as pain, bleeding, or blockage.

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com      
                    https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india

Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

Call Us : +91-9811058159

Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com