Uterine cancer or uterine cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining or wall of the uterus, characterized by the growth of malignant tumors. Uterine cancer is most common in women who have entered menopause or are 50 years of age and over.
The uterus is an empty, pear-like organ located between the bladder and rectum in a woman's body. Uterine cancer begins when healthy cells in the uterus grow uncontrollably and form a tumor or lump. These tumors can be benign or malignant. In uterine cancer, the tumor can enlarge and spread to other organs.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common early symptom in uterine cancer or uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which occurs outside the menstrual cycle or after menopause.
In its early stages (stage 1), be it endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, it usually doesn't cause any signs, symptoms, or features typical of women. Generally, symptoms will be felt when you have entered an advanced stage, namely stages 2, 3, or 4 (end). Irregular menstruation or bleeding after menopause is one of the symptoms of uterine cancer. In addition to bleeding, excessive vaginal discharge can also signify people living with uterine cancer.
The next symptom is pelvic pain and feeling of swelling in the abdominal area due to the development of a tumor. These symptoms are usually a sign that cancer has entered an advanced stage.
Causes of Uterine Cancer
The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a
virus spread through sexual intercourse. The HPV vaccine is one of the
most effective efforts to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases
caused by the HPV virus. When exposed to HPV, the immune system can usually prevent the virus from causing something harmful. However, in a minority of people, the virus can survive for years, thereby contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
The cause of uterine cancer in women, be it endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, is not known for certain. However, scientists believe that most cancer cells have estrogen and/or progesterone receptors on their surface. This allows the interaction between receptors and hormones, making cell growth increase and even become abnormal so that it can cause cancer.
Cervical Cancer Treatment
Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Treatment choice depends on several factors, such as the stage of cancer and your age, and overall health.
The most common method of treating uterine cancer is a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy can be combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to maximize treatment. Treatment for uterine cancer can be done by an obstetrician, gynecology, oncology subspecialist.
When the cancer is still in the cervix, treatment for early-stage cervical cancer has a success rate. The further cancer spreads from its original area, the lower the success rate.
Doctors can give hormone control drugs to treat uterine cancer for patients who still want to have children. Radiation therapy can also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. If the surgeon wants to shrink the tumor to make it easier to operate, the patient is usually advised to undergo chemotherapy first.
Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus is the most common method of treating uterine cancer. This procedure aims to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes or fallopian tubes. Patients who have undergone treatment with hysterectomy can no longer have children.
Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is a therapy that is done to kill cancer cells using radiation. Radiotherapy can be done by firing a special beam into the cancer area in the uterus or by inserting a radiation-delivery device into the uterus. Radiotherapy can be done to shrink cancer cells to be removed or to reduce the risk of cancer cells growing back after surgical removal of the uterus.
Chemotherapy is the administration of one or more drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given by mouth or by injection. This method can be combined with hormone therapy to maximize treatment. Can give drugs before surgery to shrink the cancer tissue to be removed. Chemotherapy can also do Chemotherapy after surgical removal of the uterus if cancer recurrence is high enough.
Complications of Uterine Cancer
If not treated immediately, excessive bleeding due to uterine cancer can trigger anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath. This complication can be overcome by eating foods that contain lots of iron while undergoing treatment for uterine cancer.
How to treat cervical cancer is quite complicated. However, the hospital will prepare a team of experts determined to treat the early and advanced stages of cervical cancer.