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Minimally Invasive Therapies / Patient Information / Women Like Me / Abnormal Uterine Bleeding / Uterine Cancer

Uterine Cancer

 

What are the symptoms of Uterine Cancer?1

 

The first symptom of uterine cancer is usually abnormal vaginal bleeding:

  • After the menopause, bleeding at any time
  • Before the menopause, bleeding between periods or after sex
Other symptoms include:
 
  • Non-infected vaginal discharge
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Put your mind at rest and make time to consult your doctor or healthcare specialist.

What happens next?

You may be asked to undergo some tests to find out the definitive cause of these symptoms, which may be related to other non-cancerous conditions, for example benign uterine polyps or fibroids. A detailed diagnosis is required so the most suitable treatment is offered for each condition

These tests include:2

  • An internal pelvic examination to check the womb, vagina and the ovaries
  • A swab to examine cells from the cervix
  • Endometrial biopsy/ curettage: tissue is removed from the womb for examination under a microscope
  • Hysteroscopy (the doctor looks at the inside of the womb through the vagina and cervix using an endoscope)​ ​
  • Ultrasound scan​
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Computed tomography

How is Uterine Cancer treated?

The standard treatment is surgery with a hysterectomy and a careful investigation of the other pelvic organs. In some cases, it may be necessary to add radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.3

Conservative hormone therapy can be considered in selected cases of young women with early uterine cancer who wish to preserve their fertility.4

Check out the different pathologies

Uterine Fibroids

Learn More

Uterine Polyps

Learn More

Cervical Cancer

Learn More

Don't neglect your own well being

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms make time to consult your doctor or healthcare professional.

References:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/symptoms/

2. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/womb-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometrial-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/

4. Bakkum-Gamez, J., Kalogera, E., & Dowdy, S. (2014). Preserving fertility in young patients with endometrial cancer: current perspectives. International Journal of Women’s Health, 691. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s47232

5. Endometrial Cancer Incidence Rising Worldwide. (2017, November 20). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2017/endometrial-cancer-incidence-rising