Womb Cancer Uterus – Symptoms and Treatment
Among the many diseases that a woman can be diagnosed with, womb cancer and uterus is a serious illness that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. This article will look at the symptoms and the various options that are available for treating the disease. Then, you will learn about the side effects of treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of uterine cancer can be hard to recognize. It is important to discuss any symptom with your doctor to determine the cause. A doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, which is vital for determining the best course of treatment.
One of the most common symptoms of womb cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This may include bleeding between periods, spotting, or a white or pink discharge. This is particularly common in postmenopausal women.
Another symptom is a lump in your pelvis. Your doctor will examine you for a lump and may feel the uterus or pelvis. If they find a lump, they will check for other symptoms. They may also perform an abdominal exam to see if the uterus is small.
If they detect a tumor, they will send the cells to a specialist. A biopsy can be performed. The doctor will remove cells from the uterus to analyze them. The results of the biopsy will be used to diagnose uterine cancer.
If a tumor is found, a doctor will recommend surgery to remove the uterus and cervix. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of cancer. They can remove the uterus completely (total hysterectomy) or only the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
If cancer has spread, you can expect to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments are typically administered by a medical oncologist. They are used to shrink cancer and reduce the chances of it returning. Some patients are treated with both types of therapy.
If the cancer is not detected early, the prognosis is poor. Cancer has a high chance of coming back. Your doctor will use your age and general health to decide the best course of treatment.
There are also treatments that can help ease the pain. These are called palliative treatments. They may include hormones or drugs. They can also help to slow the spread of cancer.
The most important thing to know is that uterine cancer is very treatable. Your doctor is a very understanding person. They will do their best to make you feel comfortable.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of womb cancer can be hard to identify. Some of the common symptoms include lower abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. The first step in diagnosing uterine cancer is a physical exam. The doctor will look for signs of disease, including changes in the lining of the vagina, and check the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
If the doctor finds changes, he may perform a biopsy. A biopsy will take a small sample of tissue to see if it is cancer. If the biopsy finds cancer, the pathologist will determine the type.
Other tests for uterine cancer include a CT or MRI scan. These tests create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. They are used to find out where the cancer is and if it has spread. In addition, they are useful for determining the size of the tumor.
A pelvic exam is also done. This includes inserting a speculum into the vagina. The speculum will be inserted and held by a doctor. The doctor will then feel around the ovaries, the cervix, and the uterus. If he feels anything suspicious, he will order additional tests.
Blood tests are another important part of a uterine cancer diagnosis. These tests will measure the number of white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. They will also check for any liver problems. A complete blood count (CBC) is also a good baseline for future blood tests.
The next step in a uterine cancer diagnosis is to determine whether cancer has spread. This will usually involve performing a hysteroscopy. This is a thin tube that is inserted into the uterus. The hysteroscopy is usually done under a general anesthetic.
A CT/PET scan is also used. This scan uses radioactive glucose to help show the location and extent of the cancer. It can also be used to check for sarcoma.
Once uterine cancer has been diagnosed, a group of specialists will work with the patient to determine the best treatment. These doctors will coordinate the patient’s care and provide support. They may also prescribe chemotherapy or other drug therapies.
Treatment options
Choosing the best treatment for womb cancer is an important decision. Your doctor will explain your options. They may ask you to participate in clinical trials. The goal of these studies is to discover new treatments.
In addition to surgery, uterine cancer can be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments target cancer and reduce the chance that the disease will return.
In the case of endometrial cancer, the type of chemotherapy used depends on the stage. For stages I and II, chemotherapy is generally recommended. However, if cancer has spread to the tissue outside the uterus, a different kind of therapy is required.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This is usually done before or after surgery. Some people are given external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or internal radiation therapy. Vaginal brachytherapy is also an option.
Some women with uterine cancer are offered hormone therapy as a treatment. These hormones help to control the growth and activity of the cells. The drugs can be administered in pills or in veins.
Patients with low-grade uterine cancer may be able to keep their ovaries. This is known as fertility preservation. If the cancer is advanced, the ovaries will need to be removed. This treatment is sometimes performed as a part of the initial treatment for a woman who wants to have children. The treatment should also be discussed with the doctor, who will discuss the risks and benefits.
If the cancer is in the pelvis, chemotherapy may be given to removing the cancerous tumor. The drugs are given to the affected area and can be a treatment alone or as a supplemental treatment to radiation therapy.
Some women with advanced uterine cancer may be offered immunotherapy. This treatment uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. This type of therapy is gaining interest in the medical community.
Other types of uterine cancer may require watchful waiting. It is a common practice to see a doctor regularly to check for symptoms. If there is a family history of uterine cancer, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Side effects
Getting diagnosed with uterine cancer can be frightening. The symptoms may seem similar to other health conditions, and you may feel confused and upset. But there are treatments that can help. A multidisciplinary team will discuss the best treatment for you.
If you’re worried about how to handle your symptoms, ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to a counselor or therapist. The aim of palliative care is to treat pain and other symptoms. This can be done through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other drug therapies. It also includes supportive care.
Uterine cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in women. It’s usually found in older women. It’s also more common in obese women. A family history of the disease is another risk factor.
When a woman has uterine cancer, she can have bleeding or cramping in her pelvis. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis can improve your chances of surviving the disease.
Several tests are used to diagnose uterine cancer. They include the CA-125 assay. This test measures how much cancer is in your body. The test also tells if cancer has spread to other parts of your body. The test can also help to tell whether your cancer is in the endometrium, the inner layer of your uterus.
Your doctor will also ask you about your family’s history of uterine cancer. If you have any concerns about your fertility, you should raise them with the team before treatment begins. You can also get support from pharmacists and social workers.
The prognosis of uterine cancer depends on your age, gender, and type of cancer. The risk of recurrence is higher with advanced cancer. If you’re diagnosed with low-grade cancer, your chance of survival is high. You may be offered surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
Your doctor will also check if you have fibroids. These are tiny soft growths on the inner wall of your uterus. Some of these polyps turn into cancer. But many of them are benign.
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