Uterine cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the uterus (womb).
The lower portion of the uterus, which is closest to the vagina, is called the cervix. When cancer develops in this portion, it is called
cervical cancer
.
The walls of the uterus (excluding the cervical portion) are made up of the endometrium—the inner lining, and the myometrium—the muscular, outer lining. The most common type of uterine cancer, adenocarcinoma, begins in the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is another term for uterine cancer. Less common cancers, called sarcomas, begin in the myometrium.
This fact sheet will focus on endometrial cancer.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case uterus cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to
malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A
benign tumor
does not invade or spread.
Once uterine cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Treatments for uterine cancer depend on the stage of the cancer.
Treatments include:
Surgery
Surgical removal of the uterus (
hysterectomy
) and the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and possibly nearby lymph nodes.
The use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
External radiation therapy—radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)—radioactive materials placed into the body near the cancer cells
Hormone Therapy
Use of drugs to control cancer cells outside the uterus. This treatment is recommended for women unable to have surgery, or who have recurrent cancer, or cancer that has spread (metastasized).
Use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy may be of only limited benefit in endometrial cancer. There are current studies further looking at the possible benefits of chemotherapy.
Prevention
All women should have yearly pelvic exams to monitor any changes that may signal cancer development. Use of oral contraceptives may provide some protection against uterine cancer.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org
CancerCare http://www.cancercare.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca
Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm
References:
National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/
.
Rodriguez AO. Chemotherapy for early stage endometrial cancer? Should we be using it?
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol
. 2008;20(1):1-3.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
