Uterine cancer is a general term that describes cancer of the parts or organs pertaining to the female reproductive system. These parts or organs include the endometrium lining, the uterus, and the cervix. The uterus is a part of the female reproductive system responsible for foetal development during pregnancy, while the endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus that sheds during menstruation and undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle. The cervix is the connecting region of the uterus to the vagina.
Cancer in these structures occurs due to changes in the cells of the reproductive system. These cells grow into masses known as tumours. Treatment for cancer in these structures depends on the type, location, size, and extent of the cancer.
Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer
If there are any noticeable signs and symptoms of uterine cancer, such as vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods or after menopause, lower abdominal pain or cramps, or thin, white discharge after menopause, consulting a doctor may be beneficial to diagnose or rule out chances of uterine cancer.
Uterine cancer diagnosis may be initially performed by a physician or primary care doctor who may ask about the symptoms, medical and family history of the patient. They may also perform a physical and pelvic examination. They may also recommend additional confirmatory diagnostic tests for uterine cancer.
Screening Tests for Uterine Cancer
The tests which may be used for diagnosing or ruling out suspected uterine cancer may include the following:
Blood Test
A CA-125 assay may be recommended as a marker test for certain cancers. This test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood, which is a protein. Having more than a certain amount of this protein may be indicative of cancer.
CT Scan
Computed Tomography or CT scans provide a comprehensive imaging of the internal structures of the body, which can be used to visualise parts of the reproductive system.
MRI Scan
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct images of the internal structures.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is used to get pictures of the uterus by using a special probe through the vagina.
Biopsy
Performing biopsy of the endometrium is an essential component of uterine cancer diagnosis, which requires removing a small amount of tissue from the suspected area in the uterus by inserting a thin, flexible tube through the cervix. The tissue sample is then tested in the laboratory to look for signs of cancer in the sample. This procedure also helps in the staging of cancer to understand how far the cancer has spread.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is another imaging test performed using a hysteroscope, which is a thin, lighted, flexible tube, and is inserted through the vagina and cervix to reach the uterus.
Dilation & Curettage
It is a complex diagnostic procedure used to remove tissues from the uterus for further testing in a laboratory for the presence of cancerous cells.
Pap Test
A pap smear test may be recommended for cervical cancer.
Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer can be treated in several ways depending on the type, location, size, and stage of the cancer. The overall health condition of the patient also needs to be considered for proceeding with any cancer treatment modality. Not every treatment may be applicable to every patient. The goals and requirements of each case are unique, and therefore, require extensive discussion and planning to ensure the best possible outcome of uterine cancer treatment. The type of treatment opted for may or may not affect the fertility and sexual health of the patient. If any patient is considering pregnancy post-cancer treatment, they should discuss the options for fertility preservation with their oncologists before treatment begins.
The common types of uterine cancer treatment modalities are described below.
Surgery (Hysterectomy):
Surgery is the most common cancer treatment modality for uterine cancer. Uterine cancer surgery is usually the first treatment used, which involves removing the cancerous cells as well as the surrounding tissues to ensure no cancerous cells are left. The procedure used to perform the surgery is known as a hysterectomy, which may either be performed through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically through a minimal incision, or through the vagina.
During a hysterectomy, either only the uterus and cervix may be removed, or the upper part of the vagina, along with the surrounding tissues, may be removed. If the patient has no cancer left in the remaining portion of the uterus, additional treatments may not be required further.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells, which can be delivered internally or externally. External-beam radiotherapy is the most common type of radiation therapy delivered in the pelvic region or the location of the tumours. It may be given in addition to surgery to shrink the tumour or as a standalone treatment if the patient cannot undergo surgery.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses medicinal drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be given after surgery in the case of endometrial cancer or in the case of recurrent endometrial cancer. Chemotherapy can be delivered orally, intravenously, or topically.
Hormonal Therapy:
Hormonal therapy for uterine cancer often involves delivering a high dose of progesterones in pill form to slow down the growth of certain types of uterine cancer related to the receptors of these hormones.
Immunotherapy:
Employing immunotherapy treatment involves strengthening the body’s own defence mechanism against the cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be administered by giving specific drugs to enhance the natural immune system to treat recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer or uterine tumours when other forms of treatments have not worked.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy involves targeting specific genes or proteins that aid in the growth of uterine cancer and slowing down their growth to restrict the spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy requires extensive testing to find out if there are any specific genes, proteins, or other factors contributing to the growth of the tumours.
Conclusion
If uterine cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of survival increase as high as 95%. The right treatment at the right time can help ensure the remission of uterine cancer and prevent its spread. Find the top oncologists in India for one-on-one consultations and counselling for uterine cancer treatment at Wockhardt Hospitals. Our team of oncologists, comprising vastly experienced oncosurgeons and interdisciplinary specialists, is dedicated to providing best-in-class cancer care treatment with the utmost care and confidentiality.
FAQs on Uterine Cancer Treatment in India
Q. Where does uterine cancer spread fast?
The uterus is the starting point of uterine cancer, which then spreads to other bodily organs. Vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are among the other places it might spread. Generally, it affects the rectum or bladder.
