Uterine cancer Mate pukupuku o te kōpū

There are 2 main types of uterine cancer:

• endometrial cancer (which grows in the lining of the uterus)
• uterine sarcomas (which grow in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus).

Endometrial cancer is the cause of around 95% of all uterine cancers.

We do not know exactly why some people get uterine cancer. But there are some risk factors that increase your chances of getting it. They include:

• being over 50 years old
• being postmenopausal
• never having been pregnant
• starting periods early (before 12 years old)
• reaching menopause late (after 55 years old)
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• being a very unhealthy weight
• diabetes
• taking estrogen-only menopause hormone therapy (MHT) or taking tamoxifen
• personal or family history of endometrial, ovarian, breast or bowel cancer
• having a known inherited cancer syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome
• being Māori or Pacific peoples.

There may be no warning signs that you have uterine cancer.

The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding that is unusual or irregular for you. See your healthcare provider if you:

• have been through menopause and get unexpected vaginal bleeding
• are not menopausal yet and you have unusual or irregular bleeding, such as periods that are heavier than usual or bleeding between periods
• take tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, and you get unexpected vaginal bleeding or changes to your periods
• experience pain during sex or when you wee.

Other symptoms of uterine cancer can include:

• watery or smelly discharge from the vagina
• pain or discomfort in the lower tummy.

See your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that worry you. It is important that any changes are checked early.

Early diagnosis is important. To check for uterine cancer your healthcare provider may examine you.

This may include putting 2 fingers inside your vagina while pressing on the outside of your lower tummy (abdomen) with their other hand. This lets them feel your uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs.

If they think you might have uterine cancer they will refer you for further tests.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound is a scan of your pelvis using a special probe that goes inside your vagina. It allows for better images of your uterus. You can usually insert the probe yourself.

Pipelle biopsy

A pipelle biopsy is a procedure that takes a small sample (biopsy) of cells from the lining (endometrium) of your uterus. This is done by passing a thin plastic tube through your cervix into your uterus and then using suction to collect the sample.

This may be done at your healthcare provider or as day procedure in hospital.

Hysteroscopy

During a hysteroscopy a narrow tube-like telescope (hysteroscope) is passed through your cervix into your uterus. The small camera and light at the tip of the hysteroscope lets the doctor see the lining of your uterus and take samples.

This is usually be done as a day procedure at a hospital.

Hysteroscopy

Other tests could include blood tests and radiological imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI scan or x-ray.

The treatment for uterine cancer depends on:

• the type and stage (how far it has spread)
• the severity of your symptoms
• your preferences.

If the cancer is found early, then surgery may be the only treatment you need. Surgery usually involves removal of the uterus and the cervix. It may also involve removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The surgeon may also remove some lymph nodes in the pelvis to check if the cancer has spread.

Other treatment may include:

• radiotherapy (radiation to destroy cancer cells)
• chemotherapy (medicines to destroy cancer cells)
• hormone therapy (medicine for people who have a cancer that responds to hormone treatment).

After your treatment is finished, your specialist doctor will discuss how often you need check ups. They will also give you information on how to look out for specific symptoms or side effects.

Cancer treatments

Medical oncology treatments

It is important to take care of yourself when you have cancer. Try to:

• eat as well as you can
• get regular physical activity
• get plenty of sleep
• talk to the people who care about you
• accept or ask for help when you need it.

Living with cancer — Cancer Societyexternal link