Uterine Cancer or cancer of the uterus is a serious condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Older women and those who have crossed menopause are at more risk. In this article, we will discuss the types of uterine cancer, and other aspects of this condition.
The uterus, also called the womb, is a large, pear-shaped, hollow organ in the abdomen of women, where the fertilized egg develops into a foetus and then ‘baby’, all through the term of pregnancy. It is made up of an outer envelope of muscles called myometrium and an inner lining of soft tissue called endometrium. At the lower end of the uterus is the cervix which connects the uterus to the vagina. During childbirth, the cervix opens wide, to let the baby slide out of the uterus, into the vagina, and then outside of the body.
The endometrium undergoes changes during every menstrual cycle. In the likelihood of pregnancy, the endometrium starts thickening, and this is spurred by the production of hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. In case there is no conception, the extra layers of endometrium are shed away. This is what happens during every period(s).
Cancer, as we all know, is an abnormal growth of tissue in one or more parts of the body. This happens when DNA, which is responsible for regulating the growth, multiplication and division of cells, undergo one or more mutations that cause rapid, uncontrollable and abnormal growth or division of cells. This can happen in any part of the body, and when the same happens in the uterus, the condition is called uterine cancer.
Uterine cancer is an umbrella term for 2 types of cancer actually.
Since uterine sarcoma is relatively rarer, most people use the terms uterine cancer and endometrial cancer to mean one and the same. Another reason for this, is that the risk factors and symptoms for both types, are quite similar.
Type 1 endometrial cancers: These are considered less aggressive, which means they do not spread quickly to other tissues, in most cases.
Type 2 endometrial cancers: These are considered more aggressive. They are highly likely to spread to tissues or organs outside the uterus.
Molecular classification of endometrial cancers has revolutionized the approach to treatment. Here’s an overview:
Endometrial cancers are classified into four molecular subtypes:
Any condition that causes higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone simultaneously, increases the risk.
Depending on the stage of the cancer, surgery may be the very first or the very last option to treat uterine cancer. The procedure is called a hysterectomy as it uses a special endoscope called hysteroscope fitted with surgical instruments at the tip, to remove the cervix and uterus. Sometimes, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and lymph nodes in the vicinity, if affected, are also removed during the same session.
There are four types of hysterectomies done:
Molecular classification has paved the way for precision medicine in endometrial cancer:
By integrating molecular classification into clinical practice, we can improve treatment outcomes and provide more personalized care for patients with endometrial cancer.
For comprehensive and advanced care for Uterine Cancer, consider consulting with the expert gynaecologic oncologists at 1win. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, they are dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized healthcare solutions to all patients.
What is uterine cancer? It is cancer that starts in the uterus, often in the inner lining (endometrium).
What are the main types of uterine cancer? There are two types:
– Endometrial cancer (about 95% of cases) – Uterine sarcoma (about 5% of cases)
What are common symptoms of uterine cancer? Common signs include unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause), pain in the pelvic area, and changes in menstrual periods.
How is uterine cancer diagnosed? Doctors use a pelvic exam, imaging tests (like ultrasounds or CT scans), and a biopsy (a small tissue sample) to diagnose it.
What treatment options are available? Treatments include surgery (removing the uterus), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and sometimes targeted or immunotherapy.
What factors increase the risk of uterine cancer? Risk factors include being over 50, obesity, hormonal imbalances, early menstruation or late menopause, and a family history of cancer.
1win is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
