UTERINE MALIGNANCY

(Endometrial Carcinoma; Uterine Sarcoma)

 Basic information

description

Uterine malignancy is cancer of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is the most common type. It develops in the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. This cancer usually affects postmenopausal women ages 50 to 60 and older. Sarcoma is a less common type of uterine cancer. It involves the muscles and/or other supporting tissues of the uterus.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Bleeding or spotting. This usually happens after menstrual periods have stopped for 12 months or more. A watery or blood-streaked vaginal discharge may occur before bleeding or spotting.
• Bleeding or pain with, or after, sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding between normal periods (premenopause).
• Pain or mass in the pelvic area and weight loss.

causes

Exact cause is unclear. Increased estrogen levels are thought to play a role.

risk increases with

• Postmenopausal women.
• Diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.
• Women who have never given birth to a child.
• High estrogen levels from natural or other sources.
• Use of estrogen without also using progesterone.
• History of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer.
• Family history of endometrial cancer.
• Endometrial hyperplasia.
• Use of the drug tamoxifen.
• History of uterine polyps, menstrual cycles without ovulation, or other signs of hormone imbalance.
• Early menstruation and late menopause (after age 52).
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• High-fat diet.
• Previous pelvic radiation therapy.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• There are no specific measures to prevent cancer.
• Pelvic exams every 6 to 12 months may aid in early detection and treatment. Other screening tests may be done for women with high risk factors.
• Seek medical care for any bleeding or spotting after menopause.
• Good general health measures to control diabetes, high blood pressure, and maintain ideal body weight.

expected outcomes

With early diagnosis and treatment, 90% of patients survive at least 5 years. Older patients and delayed diagnosis have a poorer outcome.

possible complications

• Cancer treatments can cause side effects.
• Cancer recurs.
• Spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and a pelvic exam. Medical tests are done, first to diagnose the cancer, and then to find out if it has spread to other body organs (staging). Tests will be explained to you. They may include blood tests, Pap smear, liver function tests, chest x-ray, CT scan, mammogram, barium enema, MRI, vaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and/or dilatation and curettage (D & C).
• Treatment will depend on the extent of the disease, your health and your preferences. It may involve one or more of the following: surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy (anticancer drugs).
• Surgery treatment may include removing the uterus and, usually, the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Other disorders, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or anemia, will also be treated.
• Counseling may help you cope with having cancer.
• To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Chemotherapy or hormone therapy may be prescribed.

activity

Resume normal activities, including sexual activity, when you recover from treatment.

diet

Eat a healthy diet, even if you lose your appetite from radiation or drug therapy.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of uterine malignancy.
• After surgery, you have more bleeding or signs of infection, such as fever, muscle aches, and headache.
• Drugs used in treatment produce any side effects.

Special Notes: