Knowing the Uterine Cancer Symptoms

Of all the uterine cancer symptoms, by far the most common is the irregular bleeding of the vagina at the outset of menopausal stage.

Here are some other uterine cancer symptoms you should know of:

• Unusual weight loss
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Painful sensation upon urination
• Lump in the pelvic region
• Pain in the pelvic region
• White milk-like and watery vaginal discharge that may or may not be streaked by blood.

Predisposing Factors for Uterine Cancer

So far, there hasn't been identified any definite cause of uterine cancer. But, research studies have figured that the onset of uterine cancer may be triggered by certain predisposing factors. Those risk factors are as follows:

• Having diabetes
• Having endometrial hyperplasia
• Having a hereditary form of colorectal cancer
• Having hypertension
• Being Caucasian
• Being over 50 years old
• A menstrual cycle that starts before12 years old
• Starting menopause after turning 55 years old
• The use of Tamoxifen
• Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Exposure to estrogen for a long period of time
• Never breast-feeding a child
• Never being pregnant

What Happens in Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer develops as the uterus’ lining, also known as the endometrium, builds up and begins to shed monthly. This shedding is commonly known as menstrual bleeding. However, in a woman that has uterine cancer, the builds up of endometrium stays permanently in the uterus and doesn't shed off. Endometrial hyperplasia then occurs where in there increased amount of cells in the uterine are lining. This is the “pre-cancer” stage wherein cells develop rapidly and go out of control. These fast producing cells are no other than the cancer cells.

Because these malignant cells grow in a fast-paced manner, the end result is often the formation of a tissue mass. This would explain the unusual bleeding as most of the tissue mass invades the uterus through the vagina and cervix. The irregular bleeding happens in 85% of postmenopausal females who are diagnosed with endometrial cancer. When the endometrial cancer is neglected and left untreated, the growth of cancerous cells can travel to the deep layers of connective tissues surrounding the uterus. While this cancer advances, it can spread into the pelvic lymph nodes along with other organs in the pelvic region. Once the uterine cancer has advanced to a more serious stage, it can metastasize passing from the lymph nodes to other areas of the body such as the vagina, lungs, bones, brain and liver.

The effectiveness uterine cancer treatment will largely be determined by the stage of the cancer. The cancer stage is one thing that only your doctors can tell you right after evaluating your general condition accurately. Hence early diagnosis of uterine cancer symptoms may directly have an effect on your uterine cancer prognosis and survival.

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