|
Uterine cancers, which include endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas, are malignant tumors that develop in the muscle or supporting tissues of the uterus. Endometrial cancer begins in the tissue lining the uterus, whereas uterine sarcomas occur when cancer cells grow in the muscles or other supporting tissues. Uterine sarcomas are much more rare than endometrial cancers.
In most cases, the possibility of endometrial cancer is suggested by certain symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and pelvic pain. However, these symptoms may be caused by noncancerous or pre-cancerous changes in the uterus.
Doctors must use one or more tests to distinguish if the disease is uterine cancer and to determine the stage. A biopsy, or a sample of tissue from the uterine lining, or endometrium, must be removed and examined under a microscope. Other diagnostic tests such as a sonogram, CT scan,MRI, and PET scan may be performed to help determine the presence of a uterine tumor.
The basic types of treatment for women with uterine cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Doctors may choose a combination of these treatments.
|
