Understanding Uterine Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
While cervical cancer rates have dropped in recent decades thanks to advancements and increases in screenings and vaccination, other types of gynecological cancer are on the rise. In particular, uterine cancer is currently the third-most diagnosed cancer for women across the world.
While there are no screenings available for early detection to date, learning more about uterine cancer can empower you to look for early warning signs and get to the bottom of any symptoms with your gynecologist, if needed.
Here’s what all people assigned female at birth should know about uterine cancer.
What Are the Types of Uterine Cancer?
There are two types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial, which originates in the cells of your uterine lining (known as the endometrium)
- Uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscles or other tissue of your uterus
Although uterine sarcoma is more aggressive than endometrial cancer, it’s also much less common, making up five to ten percent of all uterine cancers.
What Are Some Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
Here are some possible symptoms of uterine cancer to watch for:
- Any bleeding after menopause, including light spotting
- Vaginal discharge after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain or cramping in your pelvic region
- Especially long or heavy periods
Frustratingly, uterine cancer can mimic symptoms of other women’s reproductive conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis. For instance, pelvic pain or even an upset stomach might be confused with menstrual cramps if you’re still getting your period.
Likewise, spotting between periods has many possible causes, including certain infections, switching or starting hormone-based birth control, and perimenopause, among others. But abnormal bleeding is the telltale sign to watch for, as it occurs in 90% of uterine cancer cases. It’s therefore critically important to discuss any new or ongoing gynecological symptoms with your doctor, who can then use diagnostic testing to determine their root cause.
Not all abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain will be diagnosed as uterine cancer, but most cases do present at least one of these signs. It’s especially critical that you alert your doctor of any gynecological changes if you’ve already gone through menopause, which is when about 75% of cases are diagnosed.
What Does Uterine Cancer Feel Like?
The early stages of uterine cancer — when detection can yield the most positive outcomes — may not produce any symptoms you can sense or feel internally. For some, early stages of uterine cancer might feel like pelvic pressure (but not necessarily pain). Feeling a mass in your pelvic area or losing weight without trying are also potential warning signs.
No matter their cause, pelvic discomfort and irregular bleeding that persist are important symptoms to investigate with your gynecologist to ensure proper diagnosis and proper treatment.
How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?
The best approach for treating uterine cancer depends on its type and stage. Surgery is the most common treatment, which may involve removal of one or more reproductive organs, as well as surrounding lymph nodes. Other options may include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Oftentimes, specialists such as gynecologists and oncologists work collaboratively to pursue the best treatment outcomes for uterine cancer.
Schedule an Appointment With a Gynecologist at Avant Gynecology
The thought of any type of cancer is unsettling, but knowing that your health is in the most capable and caring hands can be a source of comfort. For both preventative wellness and the treatment of gynecologic conditions, Avant Gynecology is your trusted practice for comprehensive women’s health. To schedule an appointment, send us a message online or call (404) 352-2850.
