What is uterine cancer?
When healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass, also called as a tumor in the uterus, it is referred to as uterine cancer or cancer of the womb. A tumor can be either cancerous or benign.
While a cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body, benign tumor, on the other hand will only grow in size.
That said, cancer of uterine is one of the most common cancers that affects the female reproductive system.
Uterus or womb is located in a woman’s pelvis between the bladder and rectum and is a pear shaped organ; the top is the fundus; the middle is the corpus, and bottom is the cervix.
The organ has two layers: an outer lining of muscle and an inner lining called endometrium which thickens and sheds during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Although uterine cancer may develop in any part of the uterus, the majority affects the endometrium— the inner lining of the uterus, called endometrial carcinoma. Whereas another type of uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma affects the outer lining and is comparatively less common.
How serious is uterine cancer and is endometrial cancer deadly?
Uterine cancer is generally not fatal when it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages. And, fortunately, many uterine cancers, including endometrial cancers are found early because of warning signs such as abnormal pre or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. However in case of uterine cancer, bleeding pattern is abnormal.
Why choose American Oncology Institute (AOI) for uterine cancer treatment?
AOI, the best hospital for uterine cancer treatment in India has specially trained doctors that include the medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; gynecologists; pathologists; and diagnostic radiologists. They are among the most experienced and skillful in the country.
At AOI, right from the diagnosis and treatment to follow-up, your care is personalized and designed keeping your unique needs in mind. In addition, in many cases, we perform minimally invasive surgeries and use robotic surgery for uterine cancer treatment. These procedures further help in better outcomes, fast healing and quick recovery.
What causes uterine cancer?
Like many other cancer types, the exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, however there are a number of risk factors, in addition to obesity, diabetes and hypertension, that increase the risk of developing the disease.
Also, increase in estrogen often increases a woman’s risk of uterine cancer.
Some of the other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Ovarian tumors
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS)
- Estrogen therapy
- Starting menstruation early (before the age of 12) or menopause late
- Irregular and infrequent periods
- Nulliparity – never been pregnant
In addition to a woman’s hormone levels, other risk factors that may increase her chance of developing uterine cancer include:
- Diabetes
- A family history of uterine cancer
- Atypical endometrial hyperplasia
- Pelvic radiation therapy
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