  
|  |
|
|
|
Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist
|
What is cancer of the uterus?
The uterus (womb) is a muscular organ within the pelvis. It has
a cavity in the middle which is lined with tissue called the endometrium. Until
the
menopause, the endometrium builds up every month and
is passed during a woman's period.
Cancer of the uterus may develop if there are changes in the
cells of endometrium during the last few years before the menopause or in the
years just after. Cancer of the uterus should not be confused with
cervical
cancer, which is an entirely different condition.
What causes cancer of the uterus?
It is still uncertain what makes the mucous membrane grow and
become malignant (cancerous). Some risk factors for the development of this
cancer exist including being
overweight.
Having children tends to reduce a woman's risk of this
disease. Correctly prescribed
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
does not cause cancer of the uterus.
Cancer of the uterus is rarely seen in women under 40 and is far
more common in women over 60.
What are the symptoms of cancer of the uterus?
This will vary according to whether or not the woman is still
having periods. If she is still having periods then the cancer may make her
periods more irregular or heavier. If her periods have stopped, then any
bleeding from the vagina is abnormal and cancer of the womb needs to be
considered as a possibility.
Any woman past the menopause should consult her doctor
immediately if she has sudden and unexpected vaginal bleeding. The fact that
cancer of the uterus often develops very slowly should not lead any woman to
take any unexpected bleeding lightly.
How is cancer of the uterus diagnosed?
In order to diagnose cancer of the uterus, a gynaecologist may
wish to perform one of a number of investigations. These include taking a
biopsy from the lining of the womb, passing a tiny
telescope through the neck of the womb (hysteroscopy) or an
ultrasound
scan of the pelvis (transvaginal ultrasound).
How is cancer of the uterus treated?
Approximately 90 per cent of women with cancer of the uterus are
treated with
hysterectomy - surgical removal of the womb and
ovaries. The five-year survival rates following surgery are over 70 per cent.
Sometimes surgical treatment is supplemented with radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy alone may be used in advanced cases, or cases of recurrent
disease, or where surgery is not appropriate.
There is no reliable evidence that chemotherapy or hormone
treatment is effective for cancer of the uterus, however, more research is
being carried out in this area.
Prognosis
Because cancer of the womb grows slowly and women are alerted to
a problem by abnormal bleeding from the vagina, most cancers are detected and
treated at an early stage.
Cure rates following surgery are very high.
|
References
National Cancer Guidance Steering Group. Improving
Outcomes in Gynaecological Cancers: The Research Evidence London: NHS
Executive, Department of Health, 1999
|
Based on a text by Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist
|
Last updated 01.04.2005
|
 |
|
|
 |
| |      |
|
