UTERINE CANCER
OVERVIEW
(Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma)

The American Cancer Society estimates 39,080 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2007.

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Screening for cancer involves examining people for early stages in the development of the disease even though there are no apparent symptoms.

Some people may be at higher risk for developing certain types of cancer because of family history, environmental exposure, lifestyle or other factors. In such cases, a physician may recommend tests diagnostic tests to check for cancer. Most cancers are treatable if caught at the earliest stages of their development.

A doctor should be seen if there are any of the following problems: bleeding or discharge not related to periods (menstruation), difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, and pain in the pelvic area.

Endometrial cancer has been found in a few breast cancer patients who have been treated with the hormone tamoxifen. If this hormone is being taken, a patient should go to a doctor for a pelvic examination every year and report any vaginal bleeding other than menstrual bleeding as soon as possible.

A doctor may use several tests to see if a person has cancer, usually beginning with an internal (pelvic) examination. During the examination, the doctor will feel for any lumps or changes in the shape of the uterus. The doctor will then do a Pap test, using a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick to gently scrape the outside of the cervix (opening of the uterus) and vagina to pick up cells.

Because cancer of the endometrium begins inside the uterus, it does not usually show up on the Pap test. For this reason, a doctor may also do a dilation and curettage (D & C) or similar test to remove pieces of the lining of the uterus.

During a D & C, the opening of the cervix is stretched with a spoon-shaped instrument and the walls of the uterus are scraped gently to remove any growths. This tissue is then checked for cancer cells.

ENDOMETRIAL SARCOMA

Screening for cancer involves examining people for early stages in the development of the disease even though there are no apparent symptoms.

Some people may be at higher risk for developing certain types of cancer because of family history, environmental exposure, lifestyle or other factors. In such cases, a physician may recommend tests diagnostic tests to check for cancer. Most cancers are treatable if caught at the earliest stages of their development.

A doctor should be seen if there is bleeding after menopause (the time when a woman no longer has menstrual periods) or bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods. Sarcoma of the uterus usually begins after menopause.

If there are signs of cancer, a doctor will do certain tests to check for cancer, usually beginning with an internal (pelvic) examination. During the examination, the doctor will feel for any lumps or changes in the shapes of the pelvic organs.

The doctor may then do a Pap test, using a piece of cotton, a small wooden stick, or brush to gently scrape the outside of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and the vagina to pick up cells. Because sarcoma of the uterus begins inside, this cancer will not usually show up on the Pap test.

The doctor may also do a dilation and curettage (D & C) by stretching the cervix and inserting a small, spoon-shaped instrument into the uterus to remove pieces of the lining of the uterus. This tissue is then checked under a microscope for cancer cells.

AUTHOR: Richard Zmuda
Reviewed by Dan McCrone, MD
cancerpage.com