Uterine Cancer

It is the thickening and transformation into cancer cells of the mucosal layer (endometrium) that lines the inside of the uterus, the organ where a baby grows, which normally thickens each month and is shed during menstruation.

Cervical cancer occurs at the gateway opening into the vagina (cervix) and its primary cause is the HPV virus. Uterine cancer starts in the inner part (body) of the organ itself, is not virus-related, and mostly originates from hormonal imbalances.

The biggest risk is when the female hormone Estrogen remains high for a long time without the balancing hormone progesterone. Because adipose tissue constantly produces estrogen, Obesity (Excess Weight) is the most significant trigger. Never having given birth, diabetes, and late-onset menopause also predispose one to the disease.

The most typical, life-saving, and warning sign of the disease is sudden vaginal bleeding after menopause (years after periods have completely stopped). Any bleeding or spotting during menopause (even if it is just a drop) must be evaluated immediately due to the suspicion of cancer.

A smear test DOES NOT definitively show uterine cancer (since it is located deep inside). If the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) is seen to be thick during an ultrasound examination, tissue from inside the uterus is scraped (Endometrial Biopsy / Probe Curettage) using a thin pipette or curettage method under anesthesia and sent to pathology.

Because uterine cancer provides an early warning sign through bleeding, it is one of the most successfully treated female cancers. Treatment is highly surgical. Usually, the uterus, tubes, ovaries, and surrounding lymph nodes are completely removed through a minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) surgery (Total Hysterectomy). If the disease is confined to the uterus, surgery provides a complete cure; if it has spread, radiotherapy is added.