Endometrial cancer begins in the the lining of the uterus, a woman’s hollow pelvic organ that fosters fetal development. Genetic mutation causes abnormal, cancerous cell growth, developing into a tumor. according to the American Cancer Society, approximately 47,130 new cases of endometrial cancer will be diagnosed and 8,010 women will die from it in 2012.

CausesWhen cells in the lining of the uterus replicate themselves, genetic mutations can occur that result in aberrant cells. These cancerous cells multiply and congeal into a tumor. Then they invade nearby tissues, often spreading throughout the body, or metastasizing. Scientists don’t know exactly what causes endometrial cancer, but several factors increase your risk of developing it.

SymptomsEndometrial cancer is often detected early because abnormal vaginal bleeding is its most telling signs. this can include extensive periods, bleeding between periods or blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Other, more subtle symptoms include pelvic pain and pain from intercourse.

Gynecologist David L. Zisow of Northwest Hospital said that vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause is the most telling warning sign: “To be safe, a postmenopausal woman who has not had a menstrual period for at least six months, who then has bleeding of any amount, must consult with her gynecologist to be properly evaluated and to have endometrial cancer ruled out.”

DiagnosisThe National Cancer Institute explains that a pap test does not detect endometrial cancer because the cancer is in the uterus. Endometrial tissue must be removed and examined for diagnosis. this can be achieved with a biopsy or dilatation and curettage. for an endometrial biopsy, a thin tube is inserted through the cervix to the uterus. this tube scrapes off samples of endometrial tissue.

TreatmentAccording to the National Cancer Institute, endometrial cancer is highly curable.

“The treating physician,” Zisow said, “should be a gynecologic oncologist who has expertise in minimally invasive, robotic surgery.” The basic types of treatment fall into three categories: surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

Surgery is the primary treatment for removing endometrial cancer.

Doctor Peter Frederick, a gynecologic oncologist, encourages patients with endometrial cancer to ask if they are candidates for minimally invasive surgery: “Endometrial cancer is often caught at an early stage, and cures may be achieved with surgery alone.”

A total hysterectomy is a surgery in which the doctor removes the entire uterus (cervix included). When removed through a large incision in the abdomen, this is called a total abdominal hysterectomy. When the abdominal incision is small and a laparoscope is used, this is called a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. When removed through the vagina, this is called a vaginal hysterectomy. The other common surgeries are bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries) and radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix and a portion of the vagina).

After surgery, radiation or hormone therapy are administered to eliminate any surviving cancer cells. with radiation therapy, powerful X-rays target the cancer cells and stop them from developing. Depending on the stage and kind of cancer, external or internal radiation is applied. Hormone therapy removes certain hormones that enable the cancer to thrive. any therapy that diminishes these hormones or prevents them from attaching to receptors on cancer cells is hormone therapy.

?Indian women are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. Of the total 10 women who die of the disease every hour in Southeast Asia, eight are from India. Cervical cancer has become the most common cancer among women in India with 1 lakh new cases reported every year,? said Dr Seema Wadhwa, Consultant, Gynecology, Fortis Hospital.

Addressing a seminar on `Cervical cancer and other gynecological problems?, Dr Wadhwa said: ?Cervical cancer is potentially curable if detected early due to its long pre-cancer state that may extend from 7-10 years. It is the best example of cancer prevention. also, the abnormal cells shed from the cervix can be easily picked up during the screening by a pap smear test.?

Explaining the risk factors, she said the chances of getting cervical cancer increase in case of multiple sexual partners, promiscuous partner, early age of first coital experience, early child bearing, prior history of sexually transmitted diseases, long term usage of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, immunodeficiency and most importantly viral infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Talking about the symptoms, she said: ?A woman should seek medical guidance in case of abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, bleeding following coitus or pelvic examination or increased vaginal discharge. The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy.?

Advising the women to get themselves regularly screened for cancer, the expert said: ?Pap smear is the single most effective cancer screening test. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening annually for all women under the age of 30 starting from 18 years or when the girl becomes sexually active. over the age of 30, one can space the screening to every two to three years if the last three tests have been negative and some other conditions are met. The peak age of developing cervical cancer is 40-50 years,? Dr Wadhwa added.

Cevical Cancer Symptoms by: Christine Michaels sometimes, tumors develop in the cervix due to abnormal cell growth. The cervix lies within the pelvic cavity, poterior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum. it is a cylinder-shaped part of the uterus. The opening to the uterus is formed by the cervix. in the United States, this kind of cancer cancer is known to be the third most common type of cancer of the female reproductive tract. there are different types of cancer, the most common of which is the squamous cell carcinoma. Cervical cancer is more prevalent among women in developing countries, especially poor women since they seldom receive regular checkups. therefore, the disease is usually diagnosed already at its later stage. The progress of the disease is typically very slow. During the early stages, it is usually asymptomatic. however, as the abnormal cells grow, symptoms of cervical cancer may begin to appear and these include the following: Abnormal vaginal bleeding. A healthy cervix may have a very small amount of bleeding. however, women with cancer of the cervix may suffer light or heavy bleeding after certain activities. this may occur between regular menstrual periods, after douching or sexual intercourse, or after pelvic exam. this happens because of the irritation of the cervix after these activities. Unusual vaginal discharge. The cervix produces mucus, which is important in female fertility. During intercourse, the mucus aids the sperm cells move through the cervix into the uterus. however, any vaginal discharge that is abnormally heavy, foul smelling, watery or very thick in consistency may be a symptom of cancer. when early stages of the cancer go undiagnosed, it can become invasive and affect the surrounding organs of the cervix. During this later stage of cervical cancer, the symptoms that may manifest include the following: Pelvic pain. some women experience mild cramping pain associated with menstruation, which is normal and does not need medical attention. however, pelvic pain may also be a symptom of cancer. it occurs in the lower part of the abdomen between the hipbones. Many women describe it as dull aches or sharp pains and may be intermittent or constant in nature. Painful urination. Pain during urination is one of the symptoms that women may experience if they are already in the advanced stage of cervical cancer. it is sometimes accompanied with blood in the urine. this usually occurs when the cancer cells have invaded the urinary bladder. Painful defecation. Pain from the rectum during defecation may also be a symptom of advanced cancer of the cervix. sometimes blood can be seen in the feces. this happens when the cancer has spread into the rectum.

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I always get abnormals paps and have abnormal periods right now I haven't had a period since Oct. of last year and I am not pregnant. My mom got cervical cancer when she was 32 years old and I'm so scared that someday I'll get it too. I have some discomfert on my lower and some crams is there any symptoms for cancer. My pap isn't due until June. Thankssss

My sister in law had cervical cancer, and I remember her saying that when she had sex it started hurting in there, she went for her PAP and she had cancer. but I've always heard there is no symptoms, that's why a pap is so important. Don't worry, you are probably fine, and if you do have cancer there it is one of the most curable cancers, my sister in law is fine now, she had the cells removed and she is doing great.

-abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as between periods or after intercourse
-smelly vaginal discharge
-discomfort during intercourse
-vaginal bleeding after the menopause
-periods become heavier and last longer than usual
-loss of appetite
-weight loss
-fatigue
-pelvic pain
-back pain
-leg pain

It sounds like a lot of the symptoms for cervical cancer include having more bleeding than usual not less. I would still get a pap smear to be safe.

Posted by jenaisle on December 11, 2010

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Cervix refers to the lower part of the uterus. when problems in the cervix arise, the symptoms are so general that they go unnoticed. If you are a woman aged 18 years old and above and is sexually active, it is imperative that you undergo pap’s smear to see whether you have the deadly disease. here are some facts about cervical cancer.

Symptoms

Some patients who have cervical cancer do not present any sign of the illness. however, in most women, the common symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual heavy discharge, and pelvic pain, pain during urination and pain and bleeding during a sexual intercourse. in rare cases, infections are also present.

Diagnosis

The use of symptoms alone cannot diagnose cervical cancer. for the preliminary assessment, your doctor may request a pap’s smear to check for the integrity of the individual cells. usually, cancerous cells present themselves well under the microscope. If you get a positive Pap’s smear test, further testing is required.

Treatment

Women positively diagnosed with cervical cancer have many options for treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of all of these may be warranted. If you have questions about the treatment, you should always ask your doctor about it.

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