Uterine Cancer

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UTERINE CANCER

Uterine cancer begins when malignant cells being to grow in the uterus. The most common type of uterine cancer begins in the lining, or endometrium, and is also called endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcoma, develops in the muscle or, myometrium, and is a different type of cancer from endometrial cancer.

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According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 39,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in the United States this year.

SYMPTOMS OF UTERINE CANCER

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Uterine cancer can occur at the onset of menopause, but usually occurs after menopause.

A woman should see her doctor if she has any of the following symptoms:

  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge that seems unusual, or that flows for more than 2 weeks.
  • Pain or discomfort while urinating.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Pain in the pelvic area.

These symptoms can be caused by cancer or other conditions. Typically these symptoms are not signs of cancer, but in the interest of their best health, women should seek the guidance of an experienced gynecologist. If there is a concern, or a biopsy comes back with possible signs of cancer, you will be referred to a gynecological oncologist.

WHY CAN’T MY REGULAR GYNECOLOGIST MANAGE MY TREATMENT?

The Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service is one of the world leaders in oncology care for women with cancer of the female reproductive tract. Our patients have twice the survival rates of patients of those not treated by a cancer specialist, which is why it is so important to be evaluated by an experienced gynecological oncologist at the onset of disease.

DIAGNOSIS

When evaluated for uterine cancer, your doctor will take a complete medical and family history, as well as perform a pelvic exam to examine the organs of the female reproductive tract for any changes in size or shape. The following tests may be ordered by your doctor to fully evaluate you for uterine cancer.

  • Blood and urine tests.
  • Pap smear. This test includes collecting cells from the cervix and upper vagina. An experienced gynecological pathologist will then check the cells for any sign of malignancy.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound. Your doctor will use a receiver inserted in the vagina to examine the uterus, ovaries and vagina by ultrasound. Using high-frequency waves that ‘bounce’ back to the machine, your doctor can fully visualize the internal anatomy. If the endometrium of the uterus looks like it has thickened, your doctor will probably order a biopsy.
  • Biopsy. In this procedure, which can be done in your doctor’s office, your doctor will remove a sample of tissue from the endometrium. There may be times when your doctor will order a dilation and curettage (D&C), an outpatient procedure performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. A pathologist will carefully examine the sample of tissue to check for possibly malignancies and other conditions. Recovery for this procedure usually involves some cramping and vaginal bleeding.

TREATMENT

If cancer is found in the biopsy, then your doctor will create an individualized treatment plan for you, involving the whole patient and multidisciplinary care. Our team of experienced gynecologic oncologists treats uterine cancer in women with nationally recognized high success rates and outcomes.

Treatment for uterine cancer may include:

  • Surgery.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Hormonal Therapy.