Natural Alternative Treatment for Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer occurs in women aged 40 to 50 years and post-menopausal women, with fewer than 5% of child bearing women at risk of developing this cancer. A common approach against most tumors is its removal together with the organ it is attached to thereby necessitating a hysterectomy. Physicians determine if uterus removal is adequate or whether the tumor has extended to surrounding lymph nodes and ovaries.

There are standard surgical and chemotherapeutic procedures or other options and certain women may opt for a hysterectomy followed by alternative methods of treatment to replace radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal blocking which cause anemia, nausea, hair loss and generally feeling totally miserable. Some women decline surgical procedures while some may choose the hysterectomy and chemotherapy together with alternative treatments.

Certain medical centers approach cancer treatment with alternative procedures which could (or could not) incorporate regular Western type medical procedures. Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Issels and Envista are some of the centers that view cancer treatment from the position that medical options must help the body in treating itself.

Alternative cancer treatments (including uterine cancer) start by focusing on the improvement of the immune system - the body has self healing abilities provided it gets the correct nutrition.

Diet intakes, low in whole, raw foods and high in animal fats and processed foods, don't provide the minerals, vitamins and living enzymes required by the body for new cell creation. Chemically or artificially produced vitamins do not possess intricate enzymatic activities as found in natural food sources. Alternative treatment centers recommend, even insisting on diet changes for patients, to diets that support the fight against cancer. Changing eating habits may be problematic, however, it becomes easier once the patients perspective has changed.

Naturopathic physicians use non-toxic, natural alternative treatments and therapies which supports the person as a whole, not only focusing on one facet of the disease treatment (as in standard Western medical procedures) and seek to minimize harmful effects by applying the least force possible in boosting the immune system. Scientific and time tested therapies include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, classical Chinese medicine, environmental medicine, hydrotherapy and minor surgery thereby resulting in a natural environment which promotes self healing in the body.

Another alternative treatment is immunotherapy in conjunction with a multidisciplinary approach and involves physical therapists, nutritionists, dieticians, naturopathic physicians and immunizations (to boost immune systems).

Although alternative therapies are more main stream nowadays, before choosing it to treat uterine cancer, check the track record and other references of applicable treatment facilities - avoid sole practitioners as best results are achieved when medical professionals combine their skills in a team effort.

Uterine Cancer Survival Rate - Dare To Know Your Chances

A Uterine cancer survival rate refers to the percentage of people who were reported still living after being diagnosed with the cancer about 5 yrs ago.

Endometrial carcinoma or Uterine Cancer is the most common malignancy of the female population. Each year, there are about 40,300 new cases diagnosed with this type of cancer, although in many occasions (around 75%), the diagnosis is established when the tumor is confined to the body of the uterus, therefore, many tumors can be cured. The 7,000 annual deaths caused by the cancer mean that this tumor ranks as the seventh leading cause of cancer death in women. It is primarily a neoplasm of postmenopausal women, although there are 25% of cases occurring in women under 50 years and 5% in women under 40 years. It is a predominantly common in Eastern Europe and the U.S. but quite rare in Asia.

Phenotypic traits and risk factors common in patients with endometrial cancer are obesity, menstrual disorders, a low fertility rate, late menopause, lack of ovulation and bleeding after menopausal. The risk is doubled in women taking tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast cancer. The maximum age of onset of endometrial carcinoma is the sixth and seventh decades of life. The symptoms are: abnormal vaginal discharge (90%), abnormal bleeding (80%), usually postmenopausal and vaginal discharge (10%). The study of patients with endometrial cancer may require a history and physical and gynecological examination, followed by endometrial biopsy or dilation of the cervix with fractional curettage. It may require an invasive procedure or minor surgery to establish the extent and degree of myometrial invasion or determine the staging. You have to take samples of peritoneal fluid, to explore the abdomen and pelvis, and perform a pelvic lymphadenectomy. As of today, around 74% of the patients are in stage I, 13% in stage II, 9% stage III, and 3% stage IV.

Uterine Cancer Survival rates at five years are as follows: Stage I: 89%, stage II: 80%, stage III: 30%, and stage IV: 9%.

A superficial invasion of the uterus (Stage I) can be treated with chemotherapy, but if the invasion is a bit larger, your doctor may suggest a radical hysterectomy or preoperative radiotherapy followed by extrafascial hysterectomy. About 15% of women with endometrial cancer are in stage II and the treatment depends on the intensity of this invasion. When the process has spread outside the uterus, but remains within the pelvis (stage III), treatment usually consists of surgery plus radiation. Patients whose cancer is only confined in the ovary and fallopian tubes, outcome with this treatment is quite high (80% uterine cancer survival rate at five years). Other stage III patients with a tumor spread beyond the Annexes and those with serous endometrial carcinoma have a significantly worse prognosis (uterine cancer survival rate of 15% at five years).

The treatment of uterine cancer polyps

Nobody knows how common are uterine polyps. Some research suggests that occurs in 10% of women. Patients who visit their doctors complaining of menstrual bleeding problems usually test the possibility of polyps.

Symptoms: bleeding between periods, excessive bleeding, spotting after intercourse.

As most of these are small, usually causes no symptoms. Polyps large will the above symptoms. If polyps interferewith sperm or eggs can make it harder to get pregnant. Polyps may also increase the risk of miscarriage. This condition may be something to consider cases of recurrent miscarriage.

Several reports suggest that treatment with tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment) can stimulate the development and growth of endometrial polyps. The good news is that polyps are benign. Only very rarely (about 1%) are precancerous or cancerous.

Treatment

Polyps are usuallysurgically removed. Polyps can be removed by performing D & C (dilation and Cutterage), but the method can miss polyps cutterage because this method is carried out mainly to buy to listen. More recent developments allow visually seen polyps (hysteroscopy). Using a hysterescope polyps can be removed through the cervix of sight.

Hysteroscopy with small tubes can be performed in the office, but larger tubes (used to remove large polyps or fibroids) usually require anesthesiathe hospital.

What happens after surgery? What are the chances that polyps recur? Here are some of the issues that need to be prepared after the treatment of uterine polyps.

Uterine cancer survival rate

The survival rate of cancer of the uterus is measured based on a large scale with the condition / disease. Patients should be aware that no two cases are similar and the results of the studies, although reliable, may not be exactly the same with yours.

The survival rate of cervical cancer is the average percentage of patients to prolong his life until 5 years after the diagnosis is confirmed. This does not mean that everyone who participated in thesurvey had the same opportunities. Some of them lived more than 5 or 10 years despite the cancer.

The earlier cancer is detected, the better the prognosis and the greater the survival rate of cervical cancer. This applies not only to cervical cancer, but most tumors If your doctor has said that only 50% chance of living, this could mean two things -. In a period of five years, you can not live two and a half years or morethat.

There was a study reported that cervical cancer is more common in African-Americans Caucasian Americans. Survival rate of uterine cancer is much higher among the latter than the former.

In a period of five years:

White women have a 86% survival rate.

African American women have survival rates around 61%.

Although the reason is not exactly established, researchers believe it has something to do with greater number of pregnancies (Gravida) of African American women than Caucasians. Food choices and lifestyle preferences are also somewhat "related to this problem.

In most cases the cancer, the first phase, the higher the survival rate. In stage 0 or 1, the survival rate of cancer is higher than 96%. When the cancer reaches stage 2 or 3, expect a survival rate of less than 66%. Thus, drastically in the last stage, when the> The cancer has spread to other organs such as the ovaries, intestines, liver, etc. In phase 4, the survival rate can only be as low as 25 percent, over a period of 5 years is technically right back a year and some months.

Fortunately, most cases of cervical cancer are detected in Phase 1, when the cancer has not proliferated and is easier to remove. Only about 16% of patients are diagnosed when the tumor isthe Stage 3 and less are diagnosed in stage 4. Therefore, treatment may still be able to help patients survive to 5 years.

Uterine cervical cancer Ovarian

Often referred to as a silent murderer who says many lives each year is more common among women of all ages. Women who have had ancestors with this disease have greatly amplified the risk of developing it. Be informed about the intensity of its various degrees is important in determining treatment options.

Visibility of the symptoms are often misinterpreted as a symptom of other, less lethal. Even some of the commonSymptoms> that become visible in the initial phase include abdominal discomfort, which is produced by inflammation. Both feelings are intensified with the passage of time. More irregular pattern despite the absence of a urinary tract infection is one of the main causes. The problems include nausea and digestion with unexplained pain in the pelvic area and inflation.

Superior as a method for detection and identification, detection was performed. This is a watershedexamination includes examinations of the vagina and uterus, which is performed by a physician or medical expert. This analysis should be scheduled every year to detect early signs of abnormality. The latest developments in their field involves conducting a blood test every year. Despite the unusual discovery stages of introduction, early detection increases the success rate of complete cessation of this type of cancer.

After 'certification status of cancer and its spread throughout the body, the patient can be treated by surgery to remove the malignant tissue. Depending on how the removal of the ovaries and the uterus is inevitable. After surgery, the use of radiotherapy to take effect because of its ability to destroy lingering cancer cells. Chemotherapy is another option. The administration of drugs in certain cases alsoobserved.

What is uterine cancer?

Cervical cancer begins in cells lining the uterus. Uterus (or womb) is part of the female reproductive system. It is a small hollow, pear-shaped in the pelvis. The bottom of the uterus called the cervix. The cervix into the vagina.

The uterus is all muscle. The lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is composed of tissue with many glands. This layer re-grows each month and usually falls during the menstrual cycleperiod. Periods of temporary suspension during pregnancy. Usually, periods will continue until they reach menopause (change of life).

Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause.

The most common type of cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. A different type of cancer, uterine sarcoma, develops in the muscle. Cancer that begins in the cervix is also a different type of cancer.

Uterine cancerpart of a classification of types of cancer called endometrial cancer. There are two types of this classification. Type I is primarily concerned with premenopausal women. They are often minimally invasive uterine wall. Type II, which is a part of cervical cancer, occur in older, postmenopausal women.

I really hope you have a better understanding of cancer is uterine cancer, and now I understand some very important information on it. Pleasecontinue to gain more knowledge on the subject, as it will help in many ways over time. In addition, you can feel the hope and power over their lives.

Because estrogen can cause uterine cancer?

So far, despite the information age environment where they are now, many are still misinformed about cancer and its cause. One of the causes of cancer in women, estrogen. A female hormone produced by the ovaries in women and testes in men. There are also calls hormone pills taken by women who are menopausal stage of their life or the life-changing.

Research reports have shown the link between cervical cancer and the use offemale hormones. Chances are that menopausal women receiving estrogen are likely to develop cervical cancer. Estrogen was confirmed as the lists of the causes of cervical cancer. Scientific studies have not clearly demonstrated that prolonged exposure to estrogen increases the risk of endometrial (uterine). Research led by Dr. Noel Weiss said the incidence of uterine cancer in general increased, butAlso depending on the geographic location of the middle-aged women interviewed.

He adds that "what matters is that it is unlikely that the disease is due to some characteristics of women, rather than the drugs you are taking."

On the other hand, the report of Dr. Mack in the study among women in a retirement community near Los Angeles, demonstrated that no other drug that estrogen was significantly associated with cervical cancer of "uterus. It found that women thattake estrogen during menopause are almost eight times more likely to contract the disease than those who do not.

Uterine cancer - symptoms, causes and remedies

Uterine cancer is one of the most lethal cancers that actually begins in the lining of the cells in the uterus. The uterus is a vital part of a woman's reproductive system.

Type of uterine cancer

Cancer can indicate various types of cancer, which occurs in the uterus of a woman. uterine sarcoma, commonly known as leiomyosarcomas are a type of uterine cancer, which occurs in the muscle layer of the uterus. Endometrial > Cancer is another type of uterine cancer that originates in cells found in the glands of the lining of the uterus or endometrium. Cervical cancer is a different type of uterine cancer, which is known to arise from the bottom of a matrix. It extends to the transition zone of the cervix of a woman and the connection to the top of the vagina.

Symptoms

A woman having cancer of the uterus may notice some commonSymptoms>. However, can vary from person to person depending on the disease into account. Common symptoms include pain or difficulty with urination, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, extreme pain at the time of the relationship, a normal pelvic mass, weight loss discharge, pain in the pelvic region and who never breastfed. In fact, cervical cancer rarely occurs before menopause, during which a woman had a regular menstrual cycle.

E 'usually occurs during the time at regular stops menstrual cycle. If a woman notices a recurrence of the bleeding at this stage of her life, she must immediately draw the attention of your doctor, as there may be a possibility of uterine cancer.

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding from the uterus of a woman after menopause. Bleeding may take the form of streaks of blood, which contains more watery blood.In some cases, a woman may also experience lower abdominal pain.

Cause

There are several causes cervical cancer, have been discovered to date. Diabetes, obesity, polycystic ovaries have prolonged anovulation, nulliparity or having only one child support, lack of menstruation, prolonged use of tamoxifen in treating breast cancer and not taking estrogen without progestin have answered some valid causes for uterine cancer.

Diagnosisdisease

The cancer can be diagnosed with endometrial and endocervical. In addition to these techniques, vaginal ultrasound is used to detect the thickness of the endometrium due to the increased thickness of the uterus can cause some serious changes cancer. In addition, the Pap test can also be an accurate way to detect cervical cancer, but can not be defined as a reliable source.

Treatment

The treatment of this cancer is performedbased on the grade and stage of cancer. abdominal hysterectomy is a standard therapy, which involves surgical removal of the uterus of women with both ovaries and fallopian tubes, washing the abdominal cavity to identify malignant cells and culling of aortic and pelvic lymph nodes. Many doctors prefer to use hormone therapy that eliminates the possibility of metastatic cancer. Once again, women even opt for radiation therapytreatment of uterine cancer.

Although treatment is an option for cancer, however, you must take immediate action after noticing the symptoms. Do not let them reach a level that can not be cured!

To your health!

Uterine Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Uterine cancer is more common for women who have suffered or are going through menopause. This is because, although the cause of this disease has not yet been identified at the time, it was discovered that the inability of the hormone progesterone to make the hormone estrogen contributes to the possibility of its development, as is the case at this time . There is too much estrogen and progesterone production is not enough to compensate.

Although this type of cancermore often white, middle-aged and older women can also affect children. For this reason, all women should be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer so we know when we have to see a doctor.

One of the most common symptom is vaginal bleeding. Almost everyone who has been diagnosed with this have had vaginal bleeding or discharge. For young women, should be very careful. If you experience bleeding between periods, heavy and unusualbleeding after intercourse, you should not ignore the signs. For those who have gone through menopause, if you start bleeding 6 months later, go see your doctor. There are also some pain could be heard, although not everyone experiences, like people with uterine sarcoma, a type of uterine cancer, only a little experience pain when urinating, pain during sex and area the basin.

There are conditions that can cause a womanrisk of this cancer, like obesity, history of infertility, those who suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure and those taking tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.

Know the symptoms of cervical cancer will be very useful to seek professional help early. So remember these symptoms and if you have any of them, be sure to consult your doctor. It could save your life!

The Uterine Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Uterine cancer is more common to women who have undergone or is undergoing menopause. That is because, although the cause of this disease is still not identified at present, it is found out that the inability of the progesterone hormone to offset the estrogen hormone contributes to the possibility of its development; which is the case at this stage. There is too much estrogen being produced and the progesterone isn't enough to balance.

Although this type of cancer more often targets middle-aged and elderly women, it can also affect the younger ones. That is why, all women must be aware of uterine cancer symptoms so that we will know when we need to see the doctor.

One of the most common symptoms is vaginal bleeding. Almost all that have been diagnosed with this have experienced bleeding or vaginal discharge. For young women, you must be very observant. If you experience spotting in between periods, unusual heavy periods and bleeding after intercourse, you must not disregard the signs. For those that have undergone menopause, if you start bleeding 6 months later, go and see your doctor. There are also certain pains that could be felt although not everyone experiences them just like for those with uterine sarcoma, a certain type of uterine cancer, just a few experience pain during urination, during intercourse and pain in the area of the pelvis.

There are conditions that may make a woman at greater risk of this cancer such as obesity, a history of infertility, those that suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure and those who take Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.

Getting to know the uterine cancer symptoms will really help a lot in being able to seek early professional help. So remember these symptoms and if you have any of them be sure to see your doctor. It could save your life!

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. The body cells start functioning in an abnormal way in the person suffering from cancer and the tumors are formed in the affected area of the body. Breast, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers are those types of cancers that target only the women as these are related to the female body organs.

If we talk about the uterine cancer, it is in fact related to the very important organ of the female reproductive system called uterus and usually occurs in the women between the ages of 50 to 70 years. This cancer has different types including uterine sarcomas, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. Each type affects different parts and tissues of the female uterus e.g. endometrial cancer (also called endometrial carcinoma) is related to the uterus lining or endometrium. The uterine sarcoma (also called leiomyosarcomas) affects the muscular layer of the uterus and cervical cancer is related to the lower portion of the uterus.

Among these types, the endometrial cancer is one that is generally referred to as the uterine cancer. The endometrial cancer is so deadly that it is believed to be the third most common gynecologic cancer (after ovarian and cervical cancers) that causes death to the women.

This cancer usually affects the women after the occurrence of the menopause (the phase in a woman's life when menstrual cycle gets stopped). There are some common symptoms of this cancer though these may differ to some extent from person to person.

The most general symptom of this cancer in a woman is the abnormal vaginal bleeding even after her menopause. However the excessive menstrual bleeding in a woman in her premenopausal period shouldn't be ignored too. The other symptoms include the unusual non-bloody vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, abnormal weight loss, difficult and painful urination and an extreme pain during intercourse.

Every woman is needed to know about the basic symptoms of the uterine cancer so that if she finds any of them in herself, she may urgently contact her physician. The importance of seeking the timely medical advice after finding some of these symptoms is very high as it may help to diagnose the uterine cancer at some early stage and you must know that this cancer can be treated effectively at the early stages. Besides, if the endometrial cancer is diagnosed after the full medical check up of a woman, the proper measure can be taken at the right time in order to avoid further complications.

Uterine Cancer and Early Detection

About 15% of cancers in women is uterine cancer. More or less 80,000 women were diagnosed in 2005 with cancer (pelvic gynecological malignancy) and a lot of these cases were uterine cancer. Of uterine cancers around 95% are endometrial. Uterine cancer mostly occurs in postmenopausal women and is basically abnormal cell growth in the uterus (neoplasm).

Endometrial uterine cancers, in many cases, are curable as well as being highly treatable - treatment methods include medications, surgical options, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on relevant protocols.

Once a problem is diagnosed the appropriate treatment can commence. The symptom most common in uterine cancer is postmenopausal bleeding and the majority of women will identify this as a warning sign that they may have a problem and require medical help. Fortunately only 10% to 20% women with postmenopausal bleeding symptoms in fact have malignant growths - abnormal bleeding must be medically evaluated without delay as this often results in a diagnosis of the disease at its first stage when it is potentially curable and highly treatable.

Some endometrial cancer risk factors are infertility (or no children), unopposed estrogen, late menopause, obesity, diabetes, diet high in animal fat, hypertension and radiation therapy.

The possibilities that a postmenopausal bleeding problem is in fact a malignancy increases as women age. Uterine cancer symptoms which are common are pelvic region pains, painful sexual intercourse and painful urination.

Other symptoms may include a vaginal secretion or drainage that is purulent (contains pus), opaque and thick drainage of dead tissue and cells and typically indicates an infection. Some other symptoms of a more advanced stage of the disease include weight loss, pain and changes in bowel and bladder habits.

Fewer than 5% of endometrial cancer cases are diagnosed before any symptoms are presented - usually discovered during annual physical check ups. Cervical cancer however can be identified early through PAP smears and any woman after menopause that shows atypical cells on a Pap smear should be examined and screened for any malignant signs in the uterus. Any woman who has not had a hysterectomy or uterus removed can identify uterine cancer symptoms. Early detection is critical as stages I or 2 of this cancer can in many cases be cured and is highly treatable.

Uterine Polyps Cancer Treatment

Nobody knows how common uterine polyps are. Some research suggest it occurs in 10% of women. Patients who go to their doctor complaining menstrual bleeding problems will usually be tested for the possibility of polyps.

Symptoms: Intermenstrual bleeding, excessive bleeding, spotting after intercourse.

Because most polyps are small, they usually do not cause any symptoms. Larger polyps will cause the symptoms mentioned above. If the polyps interfere with sperms or eggs, it might make it hard to get pregnant. Polyps may also cause a higher risk of miscarriage. This can be a thing condition to look out for in recurrent miscarriage cases.

Multiple case reports indicate that tamoxifen treatment (breast cancer treatment) may stimulate the development and growth of endometrial polyps. The good news is, polyps are usually benign. Only very rarely (around 1%) are precancerous or cancerous.

Treatment

Polyps are normally removed surgically. Polyps can be removed by performing D & C ( Dilation and Cutterage), but the cutterage method may miss the polyps because this method is mainly performed buy feel. Newer development allow the polyps to be seen visually (Hysteroscopy). The use of a hysterescope allows polyps to be removed through the cervix visually.

Hysteroscopy using small tubes can be performed in the office, but larger tubes (used to remove large polyps or fibroids) usually require anesthesia in the hospital.

What do you do after surgery? What are the chances the polyps will recur? These are some of the issues that you need to prepare for even after treatment of uterine polyps.

Who Is At Risk Of Uterine Cancer?

All cancers begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. Tumors can be benign or malignant: Benign tumors are not cancer.

Cancer that starts in the muscle layers of the womb is called uterine sarcoma. This type of cancer is most common in women between the ages of 50 and 70. Cancer of the uterus can also be called uterine cancer. Cancers that start in the muscle of the womb (sarcomas) are even less common. Cancer of the uterus usually occurs after menopause.

The spread of cancer means metastasis. When uterine cancer spreads outside the uterus, cancer cells are often found in nearby lymph nodes, nerves, or blood vessels. If the cancer reached the lymph nodes, cancer cells may have spread to other lymph nodes and other organs, such as the liver, lungs and bones.

When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor.

For example, if cancer of the uterus spreads to the lungs, the cancer cells in the lungs are actually uterine cancer cells. The disease is metastatic uterine cancer and not lung cancer.

As with any cancer, the exact reason why one woman gets uterine and another does not is unknown. These have much in common with breast cancer risks, since both cells in the uterus and breast respond to hormone stimulation.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, and is very suspicious for cancer in a woman after her menopause. Of woman with new onset vaginal bleeding after menopause, 30% will have cancer, with the chance of it being uterine or cervical about equal. Infection may be the first indication of a cancer problem. If you find out that these symptoms are present, it is best to seek medical attention to avoid more complications that may mean more serious condition leading to uterine cancer.

Discover the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

If you are concerned about the possibility of developing uterine cancer, one of the ways you can ease your mind is by know about and watching for, the symptoms associated with it.

The following are the most common symptoms of uterine cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Difficult or painful urination.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- A pelvic lump.
- Weight loss.
- Has never breast-fed.

As has been written in a previous article, uterine cancer does not occur before menopause. It usually occurs around the time menopause begins. The occasional reappearance of bleeding should not be considered simply part of menopause. It should always be checked by a physician.

The symptoms of uterine cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems such as cervical cancer and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Always talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen. 

The main symptom to look for is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause as it is the most common symptom of uterine cancer. Bleeding may start as a watery, blood-streaked flow that gradually contains more blood. About 20 out of 100 women who have abnormal bleeding after menopause have uterine cancer. This means that 80 out of 100 do not get uterine cancer. The most accurate way to diagnose whether or not you have uterine cancer is through a biopsy.  In this test, the doctor removes a small sample of the lining of the uterus to look for cancer cells.

Uterine Cancer - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Uterine Cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, which actually start in the lining of the cells in the uterus. The womb or the uterus is a vital part of the reproductive system in a woman.

Type of Uterine Cancer

That cancer may denote various types of cancers, which occur in a woman's uterus. Uterine sarcomas, commonly known to be leiomyosarcomas are a type of uterine cancer, which occurs in the muscular layer of a uterus. Endometrial cancer is another type of uterine cancer, which originates from the cells that are located in the glands of the uterine lining or the endometrium. Cervical cancer is a different type of uterine cancer, which is known to arise from the lower portion of a uterus. It extends to the transitional zone of a woman's cervix and connecting to the upper part of her vagina.

Symptoms

A woman having uterine cancer can notice some common symptoms. However, they may differ from person to person depending upon the disease in consideration. Commons symptoms include painful or difficult urination, unusual discharge or vagina bleeding, extreme pain during the time of having sexual intercourse, a typical pelvic lump, abnormal weight loss, pain in the pelvic region and having never breast-fed. In fact, uterine cancer occurs rarely before menopause, during which a woman have regular menstrual periods.

It generally occurs during the time when the regular menstruation cycle stops. If a woman notices reappearance of bleeding at this stage of her life, she should immediately bring it to the attention of her general physician, as there may be a possibility of uterine cancer.

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding from a woman's uterus after her menopause. The bleeding may be in the form of a blood streaked, watery discharge containing more blood. In some cases, a woman may experience lower abdominal pain too.

Causes

There are different causes of uterine cancer, which have been discovered till date. Diabetes, obesity, polycystic ovaries having prolonged anovulation, nulliparity or having borne not a single child, lack of menstruation, extended usage of tamoxifen for the treatment of breast cancers and taking unopposed estrogen without progestin are some of the valid causes of uterine cancer.

Diagnosing the Disease

The cancer can be diagnosed by endometrial and endocervical sampling. Apart from these techniques, vaginal ultrasonography is also used to detect the thickness of the endometrium because increased thickness of the uterus may determine some serious cancerous change. Apart from this, the Pap test can also be an accurate way detecting uterine cancer but cannot be termed as a reliable source.

Treatment

The treatment of this cancer is performed on the basis of grade and stage of the cancer. Abdominal hysterectomy is a standard therapy, which involves in the surgical removal of the woman's uterus along with both the ovaries and fallopian tubes, washing of the abdominal cavity to determine malignant cells and the selective removal of the aortic and pelvic lymph nodes. Many doctors prefer usage of hormone therapy that removes the possibility of metastatic cancer. Again, women also opt for radiation therapy for the treatment of their uterine cancer.

Although treatment is a possibility for Uterine Cancer, still you should take immediate action after noticing the symptoms. Don't let it reach a level from where it cannot be cured!

To Your Health!

Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Uterine fibroid tumors or leiomyomas are among the most common tumors among women. In fact, it is apparent in 25-50% of women, says American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Uterine fibroid tumors are typically non-cancerous; however, there is still the need to be aware of these tumors and some dangers it may bring to your health.

To give you better understanding of these tumors, here are answers to frequently asked questions on uterine fibroid tumors:

What are uterine fibroid tumors?

Uterine fibroid tumors, medically known as uterine leiomyomata or simply myoma, are growths consisting of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues usually found within the wall of the uterus. Some grow below the lining of the uterus; some grow between the muscles of the uterus, while some grow towards the exterior part of the uterus. Uterine fibroid tumors may grow in clusters or as a single nodule and may vary in size.

What are the causes of uterine fibroid tumors?

Scientific researches have not yet finally identified the causes of uterine fibroid tumors. It has been theorized though that uterine fibroid tumors result from hormonal, genetic and environmental factors, which may be present in combinations in every case.

Are uterine fibroid tumors cancerous?

Though considered as tumors, uterine fibroid tumors are mostly benign, which means that in most instances, they are not as dangerous as cancerous tumors. Cases of uterine fibroid tumors turning into cancer is very rare, however, it is possible. Although having uterine fibroid tumors is generally not dangerous (it also has nothing to do with cancer of the uterus), it is uneasy to live with; hence, women opt to have their uterine fibroid tumors removed.

Who gets uterine fibroid tumors?

In most instances, uterine fibroid tumors develop in women of childbearing age, usually those in the 30s and 40s. However, researches show that women who have previously given birth are less likely to develop uterine fibroid tumors. In addition, it has been found out that overweight women and young African women are more prone to developing uterine fibroid tumors. The reasons for these are not yet known, however, these facts have been prevalently observed.

What are the symptoms indicating presence of uterine fibroid tumors?

In many instances, uterine fibroid tumors do not cause symptoms, but some women having these benign tumors say they experience pain and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods while some experience bleeding in between their menstrual period. She also urinates more often (due to the pressure of the fibroids to the bladder) and feels full in the lower part of the abdomen.

Some women also experience pain in the lower back and pain during intercourse. Other signs of uterine fibroid tumors include miscarriage, complications during pregnancy and infertility.

How are uterine fibroid tumors detected?

Uterine fibroid tumors are detected through pelvic examination. This lets your doctor check your vagina, ovaries and uterus. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-rays, and CT scan can also help the doctor detect presence of uterine fibroid tumors in your uterus.

Is treatment necessary?

Treatment of the uterine fibroid tumors is not necessary however since symptoms can be severe on some women, they prefer to have their fibroids treated. The main treatment for uterine fibroid tumors is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This is a modestly invasive procedure wherein a small tube is inserted into an artery towards the uterine artery. This allows the interventional radiologist to bring in small plastic beads into the artery supplying blood to the uterine fibroid tumors. In this way, blood flow to the uterine fibroid tumor is blocked causing it to shrink; hence, symptoms are relieved.

What is Uterine Sarcoma Cancer?

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Uterine sarcoma cancer is a rare type that begins in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus. Most often, it can be found in women who have completed menopause.

There are basically two types of uterine sarcoma cancer: (1) leiomyosarcoma (cancer that begins in smooth muscle cells); and (2) endometrial stromal sarcoma (it begins in connective tissue cells).

It seems that the greatest risk factor for developing this type of cancer is exposure to x-rays. If a woman has had radiation therapy to the pelvic area, her risk for developing uterine sarcoma cancer is increased significantly.

Women who have taken the drug tamoxifen for breast cancer are also at a much higher risk for developing the disease. Women who have taken this drug need to have regular pelvic examinations and report any abnormal bleeding to their doctors immediately.

Now, it is very important to know that every growth in the uterus after menopause is NOT cancerous. There are many, many more benign (noncancerous) growths than malignant ones diagnosed every year.

There is also treatment for uterine sarcoma cancer. Like all cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances are that the patient will make a full recovery. It is classified into four stages. The first stage is the mildest form that is confined to the uterus itself. The fourth stage means that the cancer cells have spread beyond the pelvic area.

There are four basic treatments for uterine sarcoma cancer; surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The most frequently used beginning treatment for uterine sarcoma cancer is surgery, and even if the surgeon removes all visible cancer cells, surgery is most often followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy in an attempt to kill cancer cells that the surgeon didn't remove.

Learn About the Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer

In a previous article, we learned what uterine cancer is, but what is our risk for developing this disease? A woman's risk of developing uterine cancer is related to her lifetime exposure to the female hormone, estrogen. Anything that increases a woman's exposure to estrogen also increases her risk.

Things that can contribute to an elevated estrogen level are:

- A woman's period starting at an early age (before the age of 12).
- Late menopause (after the age of 52).
- Never having children.
- A history of not ovulating.
- Tamoxifen (a hormonal drug used to treat and reduce the risk of breast cancer).
- Estrogen replacement therapy (used to treat menopausal symptoms)
- Race. White women are more likely than African-American women to get uterine cancer.
- Colon cancer. Women who have had an inherited form of colon cancer have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than other women.

As well as these, other factors can include diabetes, gallbladder disease, hypertension, and obesity.

Fortunately, the symptoms of uterine cancer usually appear during the early stages of the disease, when it is very treatable. Uterine cancer has the lowest death rate of any of the cancer.

Women with known risk factors that are completely aware of this and those who are concerned seriously about uterine cancer should ask their doctor about the symptoms to watch for and how often to have checkups. The doctor's advice will be based on the woman's age, medical history, and other factors that he or she will take to concern.