Uterine body cancer

Uterine body cancer: main signs, causes, and treatment methods

Uterine body cancer: main signs, causes, and treatment methods

Understanding uterine cancer: key aspects

Uterine body cancer is a cancerous disease caused by malignant changes in the cells of the endometrium. To understand it, one must consider factors such as age, hormonal status, and heredity. The main aspects include the clinical picture, diagnosis through histological examination, as well as the choice of treatment methods, which include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Etiology of uterine body cancer

Endometrial cancer is a malignant neoplasm that can arise from various cells and tissues of the inner epithelium of the uterus. The causes of endometrial cancer can be diverse, including the influence of hormonal factors, hereditary predispositions, obesity, not giving birth, late onset of menopause, as well as prolonged use of estrogen medications without counterbalancing progestogens. In addition, age is a significant risk factor, as the risk of developing endometrial cancer increases in women over 50, particularly after the onset of menopause.

  • Hormonal factors: Prolonged excess of estrogens without counterbalancing progestogens may contribute to the development of endometrial cancer.
  • Hereditary predispositions: Genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer in some individuals.
  • Obesity: Excess weight may increase the level of adipocytes, which can produce estrogens and contribute to cancer development.
  • Nulliparity: Lack of pregnancies or childbirth may be associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Late menopause onset: Women who enter menopause at a later age may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

The main signs of uterine body cancer

Symptoms of uterine cancer may include irregular or excessive vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, a feeling of pressure in the pelvis, back pain, as well as pain during intercourse or urination. Women may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, as well as increased urination or changes in discharge. It is important to note that the symptoms of uterine cancer can vary and depend on the stage of the disease, so if such signs are present, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further examination and diagnosis.

  • Irregular or excessive bloody discharge: changes in vaginal discharge may be one of the first signs of uterine body cancer.
  • Lower abdominal pain: discomfort or unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area may signal problems with the uterus.
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvis: a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area may be related to the presence of a tumor in the uterus.
  • Lower back pain: the appearance of pain in the lower back may be one of the symptoms of uterine body cancer.
  • Pain during intercourse or urination: painful sensations during sexual contact or urination may be a sign of disease.

Expert opinion on the treatment of uterine body cancer

Experts in the field of oncology identify several main treatment methods for uterine body cancer that can be applied depending on the stage and characteristics of the disease. Surgical intervention, including hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy with the removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues, is one of the primary treatment methods, especially in cases of early diagnosis.

Determining the optimal treatment strategy for uterine body cancer requires an individualized approach, and experts emphasize the importance of consulting an interdisciplinary committee of oncologists to make the right decision. Depending on the characteristics of the disease, combined treatment methods may also be used, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy to achieve more effective control of the cancer process.

Methods for diagnosing uterine body cancer

Various methods are used to diagnose uterine cancer, including gynecological examination, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Additionally, a biopsy of the formation followed by cytological and histological examination helps confirm the presence of malignant changes in the tissues of the uterus. The doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood tests for certain cancer markers, to clarify the diagnosis and choose the optimal treatment plan.

  • Gynecological examination: allows the doctor to examine the cervix and vagina for changes or tumors.
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs: this method provides images of the uterus and surrounding tissues, detecting possible tumors or structural changes in the organs.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a more detailed examination method that helps determine the size and nature of tumors in the uterine tissues.
  • Computed tomography (CT): this method provides a 3D image of the pelvic organs to identify changes related to uterine body cancer.
  • Biopsy of the formation: a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken for cytological and histological examination to establish a diagnosis of uterine body cancer.

Treatment of uterine body cancer

The treatment of endometrial cancer depends on many factors, including the stage of the tumor, the patient’s health, age, and overall condition. The main treatment methods for endometrial cancer are surgical intervention, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. In some cases, combined treatment may be used, involving several methods simultaneously to achieve the best results and prevent disease recurrence. Patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer are recommended to undergo regular monitoring and follow an individual treatment plan developed by specialists.

  • Surgical treatment: In the case of uterine body cancer, a hysterectomy may be performed – the removal of the uterus. This surgery can be done either through open access or laparoscopically, depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumor.
  • Radiotherapy: The use of ionizing radiation to destroy tumor cells or stop their growth. Radiotherapy may be prescribed as preoperative or postoperative treatment to increase the effectiveness of surgical intervention.
  • Chemotherapy: The use of cytostatic drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgical treatment or radiotherapy, and sometimes as an independent method of treating uterine body cancer.
  • Hormonal therapy: In some cases, uterine body cancer may be sensitive to hormonal therapy, which includes taking drugs that block the action of estrogens, helping to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
  • Combined treatment: Often, for more effective control of uterine body cancer, combined treatment is applied, integrating several methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy into a individually tailored treatment plan.

Prevention of uterine cancer

Prevention of uterine body cancer includes regular gynecological examinations, including cytological screening tests to detect changes in cervical cells. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the risk factors for cervical cancer, is also of significant importance. Reducing risk factors such as smoking, obesity, as well as maintaining a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle also contribute to decreasing the likelihood of developing uterine body cancer. Patients are advised to consult a doctor at the first signs or changes in their menstrual cycle, as well as to pay attention to their health and lead an active lifestyle to prevent oncological diseases.

  • Regular gynecological exams: visiting a doctor can help detect changes at an early stage and initiate treatment in the early stages of uterine cancer development.
  • Cytological screening testing: conducting a Pap test allows for the detection of abnormalities in cervical cells and prevents the development of precancerous conditions.
  • Vaccination against HPV: vaccinating girls and young women can help prevent HPV infection, reducing the risk of uterine cancer.
  • Quitting smoking: avoiding tobacco smoke helps reduce the likelihood of developing uterine cancer and other oncological diseases.
  • Healthy lifestyle: engaging in sports, balanced nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular medical check-ups contribute to overall health improvement and decrease the risk of uterine cancer.

Interesting aspects of uterine cancer

An interesting feature of uterine cancer is that this type of cancer is most often diagnosed in women over 50 years old. The increased risk of developing uterine cancer is associated with age, hormonal imbalance, as well as hereditary factors. Studies show that regular gynecological examinations and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce mortality from uterine cancer, highlighting the importance of preventive measures and regular medical monitoring.

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