5 Min Read
It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the information if you or someone in your family has uterine cancer. There are many decisions to make and a lot of information to process all at once. Having friends and family with you during discussions about your diagnosis and treatment can bring comfort. In this blog, we will explore more about uterine cancer and its treatment options, with a particular focus on laparoscopic surgery for treating cancer.
Synopsis
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, arises when abnormal cells develop in the uterus and begin growing out of control. There are two primary types of uterine cancer: Endometrial cancer and Uterine cancer.
Endometrial cancers begin in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and account for about 95% of all cases. Uterine sarcomas develop in the muscle tissue (myometrium) and represent a rarer form of uterine cancer.
Uterine Cancer: Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, especially any bleeding post-menopause. Other common symptoms of uterine cancer may include:
-
Heavier than usual periods or changes in menstrual cycles
-
Vaginal bleeding between periods
-
Continuous periods without a break
Less common signs and symptoms include:
-
Watery discharge with an unpleasant odour
-
Difficulty urinating or changes in bowel habits
What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer?
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer.
Key Risk Factors:
-
Obesity
-
Undergoing certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
-
Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
-
Have never given birth
-
Late age at menopause
-
Current smokers
Other risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
-
Family history of bowel or ovarian cancer
-
Treatment of the pelvis with radiotherapy
-
Certain kinds of cancer treatments for breast cancer
-
The presence of a rare gene that causes Lynch syndrome
Consequences of Endometrial Cancer
The most serious complication of endometrial cancer is death. However, early diagnosis generally leads to a good prognosis. Other complications include:
-
Anaemia
-
Cancer metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body)
-
Poor response to treatment
Laparoscopic Surgery for Uterine Cancer
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat uterine cancer. It involves small incisions and a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to remove cancerous tissues.
Benefits:
-
The following are the key benefits that laparoscopic surgery for uterine cancer offers:
-
Minimal access – small incisions are needed compared to traditional large incisions
-
Lesser blood loss and reduced pain
-
Reduced need for post-operative care, including fewer medications
-
Lower risk of infections due to minimal exposure of organs to the air
-
Quick recovery – faster healing and shorter hospital stays
-
Faster return to work
During the Procedure:
Let’s understand what happens during the laparoscopic procedure for uterine cancer:
-
Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen.
-
Insertion: A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions.
-
Visualisation: The laparoscope provides a clear view of the uterus on a monitor.
-
Surgery: The surgeon removes the cancerous tissue or the uterus (hysterectomy), depending on the extent of the cancer. For the purpose of staging pelvic lymph nodes, sentinel node biopsy or dissection may also be done.
- Closure: The small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.
After the Procedure:
-
Recovery Room: You will be moved to a recovery room to wake up from anaesthesia and be monitored for any immediate complications.
-
Follow-Up: The follow-up is shared between the teams that have treated your cancer.
The purpose of follow-up is to:
-
Help with any side effects that you may have
-
Check for signs of new side-effects that may develop after you have finished treatment
-
Check for signs of the cancer coming back
-
Tell your doctor or nurse how you have been since your last appointment. Remember to tell them about any new symptoms, aches, or pains you have, or if you are finding it hard to cope.
Uterine cancer is the most common cancer affecting a woman’s reproductive system. If you experience any signs of uterine cancer, promptly contact an experienced surgical oncologist in Bangalore.
FAQ's
Almost always, the first sign is bleeding. Particularly, a person who has already gone through menopause may notice bleeding again, like they are getting their period again. A person who has not gone through menopause may also present with irregular bleeding.
Eligibility for minimally invasive surgery depends on the procedure's location and type, overall health, and body size. Aged individuals may not always be suitable candidates for these procedures.
Most endometrial cancers cannot be prevented. However, there are certain things women can do to lower their risk. Taking birth control lessens the risk, but first, talk with a doctor about the possible pros and cons. Being healthy, eating well, and watching your weight may lessen the risk.
Share this article on:
.webp "Life After Kidney Transplant: Diet, Care & Precautions")
