Definition
Uterine cancer (medical term: endometrial carcinoma) is a malignant tumor of the uterus. As a rule, the cancer develops from the cells of the uterine mucosa. It is one of the most common cancers in women, typically affecting women between 60 and 70 years of age. The prognosis of the disease depends on the stage of the cancer. If the prognosis in the early stage (stage I) is still very good, the 5-year survival rate for a stage IV detection is only 20% on average.
Causes of uterine cancer
In general, no clear statement can be made about why a woman develops uterine cancer. However, some studies dealing with this topic have come to the conclusion that there are certain risk factors that can increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. It is also believed that chronically elevated estrogen levels increase the risk of uterine cancer.
For example, it is assumed that a late onset of menopause and an early onset of the first menstrual bleeding (menarche) increases the risk. Likewise, both obesity and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for the development of uterine cancer. Taking certain hormone preparations and radiation therapy can also increase the risk. On the other hand, it is assumed that women who have given birth to a child and women who take the pill have a relatively lower risk of developing uterine cancer.
Possible symptoms
The therapy of uterine cancer depends on the stage of the tumor as well as on individual factors of the patient concerned. An early start of treatment after diagnosis can greatly improve the individual prognosis of uterine cancer and is therefore recommended. If possible, an attempt is made to remove the cancer completely by means of surgery.
This can be achieved either in an open abdominal surgery or minimally invasive by a so-called laparoscopy (laparoscopy). To ensure that the entire tumor is removed and to minimize the risk of recurrence, the entire uterus is always removed, as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes on both sides. Depending on how large the tumor is and into which tissues it has already penetrated, the removal of lymph nodes and tissue close to the uterus may also be considered.
After the operation it may be necessary to perform additional radiation therapy to prevent the recurrence of uterine cancer cells. If an operation is not possible, often only radiation of the tumor and therapy with hormone preparations is possible.
- Uterus – uterus
- Cervix – Fundus uteri
- Endometrium – tunica mucosa
- Uterine cavity – Cavitas uteri
- Peritoneal cover – Tunica serosa
- Cervix – Ostium uteri
- Uterine body – Corpus uteri
- Uterine constriction – Isthmus uteri
- Vagina – Vagina
- Pubic symphysis pubica
- Urinary bladder – Vesica urinaria
- Rectum – rectum
