Uterine cancer
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer (/juːˈtɪərɪn ˈkænsər/), also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the uterus. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs.
Etymology
The term "uterine" is derived from the Latin word "uterus" (womb, belly), and "cancer" is derived from the Latin word "cancer" (crab), due to the crab-like spread of an invasive tumor.
Types
There are two main types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer: This type begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. It is the most common type of uterine cancer.
- Uterine sarcoma: This rare type of uterine cancer forms in the muscle and tissue that support the uterus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of uterine cancer may include:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- An abnormal, watery or blood-tinged discharge from your vagina
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
Causes
Uterine cancer occurs when cells in the uterus develop mutations in their DNA. The mutations cause cells to grow and divide at a rapid rate. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can separate from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasis).
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of uterine cancer include:
- Changes in the balance of female hormones in the body
- Older age
- Obesity
- Women who have never been pregnant
- Menopause beginning at an older age
- A history of endometrial polyps or other forms of endometrial hyperplasia
- A family history of uterine cancer or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer
Treatment
Treatment options for uterine cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Uterine cancer
- Wikipedia's article - Uterine cancer
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