Malignancy of the lining of the uterus, or endometrial cancer, is the third most prevalent cause of deaths by cancer in women in the United States. It doesn?t have to be. Every year, in excess of 35,000 women in the United States are diagnosed. Other forms of uterine cancer include carcinoma of the cervix, trophoblastic disease arising from placental stem cells and sarcoma of the myometriom (uterine muscle).
Most carcinomas of the lining of the womb have their origin in a thin layer of cells that line the inner surface of the uterus called epithelial cells. There are two types: Type I, which is found in women before or approaching menopause. These tend not to invade other tissue layers and their prognosis is good. Type II are mainly found in women of African-American origin who have been through the menopause. These are more serious. A less common type of cancer, endometrial sarcoma, originates from the connective tissue.
Symptoms ? Vaginal bleeding is usually the first and most common symptom. Before the age of menopause, this can mean heavier or lengthier periods than normal or perhaps in between normal menses. In women beyond the age of menopause, any bleeding at all is a suggestion that there is a problem and should never be ignored. Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, pain during sex or pain or difficulty in emptying the bladder should also be reported. For women who typically have irregular or heavy periods, it may be difficult to identify an unusual pattern.
Diagnosis ? The doctor will perform an internal examination and may take blood samples to be sent off for testing. He may perform or request a vaginal ultrasound examination. This involves the insertion of a gentle probe, about the size of a tampon, and monitoring on a screen. It may be necessary to take a biopsy, either in the doctor?s office or in a hospital.
Treatment ? For cancers of the cervix, a cone biopsy may be performed or the problem may be treated with radiation. For other cancers of the uterus, a total hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries may be necessary.
Causes and Risk Factors ? There is no known cause but there are certain recognized risk factors, some of which are beyond the control of an individual. These are high estrogen levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), difficulty conceiving or no history of pregnancy, early onset of menstruation or late cessation of periods (menopause). Other risk factors are cancers of the breast or ovaries, use of Tamoxifen (a cancer drug), pelvic radiation, being over the age of 35, diabetes or a history of anovulatory menstrual cycles.
Prevention ? Some risk factors can be controlled, such as a diet that is high in animal fat, obesity, heavy daily alcohol consumption or hypertension (high blood pressure).
Heavy menstrual periods, pain and bleeding after menopause are not normal and not something that women have to put up with. Symptoms should never be ignored. There are a lot of innocent and easily treatable conditions that share these symptoms but it is impossible to tell without the necessary diagnostic procedures. Never make the assumption that there is no thing seriously wrong.
Fibroids are one form of tumors in the uterus. If you suffer from these tumors and are looking for some information about fibroids treatment options, you need to visit PCOSandFibroids.com. The site has resources and information also about natural home remedies to treat fibroids.
Source: http://inethealthtips.com/9883/uterine-cancer-the-silent-killer-2
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