What is uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the tissue lining the inside of the uterus) is common in women after menopause, typically affecting those aged 45 and above. Endometrial cancer usually has a good chance of cure because its early symptom is abnormal bleeding.
A gynecological examination, personal medical history, transvaginal ultrasound of the internal reproductive organs, certain blood tests, and finally hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy will clarify any suspicion of endometrial cancer. If the biopsy confirms cancer, the gynecologist will refer you to an oncologist specialized in the treatment of gynecological tumors.
In addition to surgical removal, the available treatments include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. The stage of the cancer will determine the appropriate type of treatment.
Cervical cancer
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ consisting of the body and the cervix, located within the female pelvis. The lower part of the uterus is the cervix. Cervical cancer can develop either in the endocervix, which is the canal that connects to the interior of the uterus and is lined with glandular (columnar) cells, or in the ectocervix (the part of the cervix that faces the vagina), which is lined with squamous cells.
The usual age of onset for cervical cancer is between 25 and 55 years. A benign tumor can sometimes appear on the cervix. The malignant tumor of the cervix is of epithelial type and develops in the ectocervix, whereas adenocarcinoma develops in the inner part of the cervical canal (endocervix).
Causes of cervical cancer
- Infection with human papillomavirusHPV).
- Women, especially at a very young age, who have multiple sexual partners, as well as women who have AIDS.
- Smoking.
With the Pap test (Pap smear) , precancerous lesions of the cervix can be detected. There are two types of lesions, classified by increasing severity: LGSIL and HGSIL.
In the early stages of cervical cancer, symptoms are almost absent. In contrast, in more advanced stages, a woman may experience lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal discharge with foul odor and discoloration, bleeding outside the menstrual period, bleeding during sexual intercourse, or spotting.
Cervical cancer is diagnosed through the Pap test and by taking a biopsy during colposcopy.
There are four stages:
- Stage I: The cancer is confined to the cervix.
- Stage II: It extends beyond the cervix.
- Stage III: It spreads to the pelvic wall.
- Stage IV: It extends outside the pelvis to the mucosa of the bladder or rectum, and may later spread to distant organs.
What is the appropriate treatment?
Treatment for cervical cancer is either surgical or based on radiation therapy. In the first and second stages, surgery is performed, during which the uterus, parametrial tissues, uterine ligaments, para-aortic lymph nodes, and the upper third of the vagina are removed. In the third and fourth stages, treatment is primarily radiation therapy.
If all women underwent a Pap test once a year, cervical cancer could essentially be eliminated.
Additionally, all young girls from the age of 12 should be vaccinated against HPV. Smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep are simple but essential measures for preventing the development of cervical cancer.
