Uterine cancer is cancer that begins in the uterus, the pear shaped organ located in the pelvis. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which forms in the lining of the uterus. The American Cancer Society estimates that 43,470 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in 2010.
Signs and Symptoms
The majority of cases of uterine cancer develop in postmenopausal women, or women who have not menstruated within the last 12 months, according to the National Institutes of Health. Often, one of the first signs that there may be something wrong is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women who are still menstruating may begin to experience bleeding between periods or an unusual non-bloody vaginal discharge. Other symptoms often include pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and unintended weight loss.
Causes
Cancer occurs when mutated cells grow out of control. Unlike healthy cells which grow and divide when needed, mutated cells continue dividing even when new cells are not needed. These cells eventually begin to invade and break down tissues and can even travel to new parts of the body. In uterine cancer, cancer cells begin in the uterus, most commonly in the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus. While the exact cause of uterine cancer is not known, scientists believe that estrogen levels play an important role, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risk Factors
Many things increase a woman's chances of getting uterine cancer. If a woman started menstruation before the age of 12, she may be at risk for uterine cancer as the uterus is exposed to estrogen for a longer period. MayoClinic.com explains that women who have never been pregnant are also at risk for developing uterine cancer. Other risk factors include irregular periods, obesity, diabetes, estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy and ovarian tumors. Women over age 50, women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, women who have been treated for cancer with the drug tamoxifen and women with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing uterine cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
Testing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the most reliable form of testing for uterine cancer is an endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy involves a physician removing a tiny piece of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus and viewing it under a microscope to look for cancer cells. Most physicians perform a biopsy in their office or an outpatient clinic and there is a very short recovery time.
Considerations
Many women may experience the occasional low back pain or pelvic pain and it does not mean that she has cancer. Women of childbearing years can experience breakthrough bleeding between periods for many reasons including taking birth control pills and normal cyclical changes. However, women who are experiencing bleeding after menopause should consult with their physician. Abnormal bleeding after menopause does not mean a woman has cancer, but may be an indication that another underlying condition exists.
