Uterine cancer, which is among the female diseases detected early, is one of the common health problems. If treatment is started early, the chance of success is very high. Among all female cancers, its incidence ranks 4th after breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.

Uterine cancer is mostly seen in women over 50 years old but can also be observed in women of reproductive age.

What is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells in the endometrial tissue, which normally thickens regularly inside the uterus and is shed during menstruation.

Endometrial cancer can be controlled with preventive measures such as HPV vaccination, regular smear tests, avoiding carcinogenic substances like smoking and alcohol, and using condoms during sexual intercourse.

What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?

• Early or late onset of menstruation
• Late menopause
• Long duration of menstruation
• Ovulation irregularity
• Never being pregnant
• Obesity and high weight
• Fatty diets
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Ovarian tumors
• Family history of uterine cancer
• Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (defect in DNA repair gene)

Since uterine cancer is directly related to the estrogen level in the body, an increase in estrogen levels also increases the risk of developing this disease. Therefore, many of the above factors are associated with uterine cancer because they raise the estrogen hormone level in the body.

What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?

Since uterine cancer mostly occurs after menopause, the following symptoms are more distinctive and increase the chance of early diagnosis. Accordingly;

• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge (dark-colored, foul-smelling)
• Unexpected bleeding before two menstrual cycles in menstruating women
• Menstrual bleeding in postmenopausal women
• Menstrual periods longer than usual
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosis is physical and pelvic examination, followed by tests to obtain data for definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound imaging is performed to determine the thickness of the uterine wall or possible abnormalities.

Endometrial biopsy involves taking tissue samples from inside the uterus for a definitive diagnosis.

If the biopsy is insufficient, curettage is performed to scrape tissue from inside the uterus and collect samples. For detailed information about the size and location of the tumor, CT and MRI are preferred.

How is uterine cancer treated?

A treatment protocol is prepared based on the cancer stage, type, patient’s health status, and desire for children. Treatment primarily involves surgical operations but also includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Surgical treatment involves removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes are also cleaned. If there is a risk of cancer cell spread after surgery, chemotherapy is applied to kill cancer cells.

If there is a risk of cancer recurrence after surgery, treatment is supported by radiotherapy. Additionally, high doses of progesterone hormone are given to help the patient recover.