Blog

Elizabeth Hornsey/X

Oct 19, 2024, 18:58

Elizabeth Hornsey about Uterine cancer

Elizabeth Hornsey, Uterine cancer survivor raising awareness and patient advocacy, posted on X:

“Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium.

Types:
Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, arising from the glands in the endometrium.
Uterine Sarcoma: Less common and more aggressive, originating in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus.

Risk Factors:
Age (more common after menopause)
Obesity
Estrogen hormone therapy without progesterone
Family history of uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer
Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
Early onset of menstruation or late menopause
Never having been pregnant

Symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, especially post-menopausal bleeding
Pelvic pain or a mass in the pelvic area
Unintended weight loss
Pain during urination or sexual intercourse

Diagnosis:
Pelvic Exam: To check for any abnormalities in the uterus.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: To visualize the thickness and structure of the endometrium.
Biopsy: Endometrial sampling or dilation and curettage (DandC) to collect tissue for examination.

Stages:
Stage I: Confined to the uterus
Stage II: Spreads to the cervix
Stage III: Extends outside the uterus but not beyond the pelvic area
Stage IV: Spreads to the bladder, rectum, or distant organs

Treatment:
Surgery: Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) often combined with the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Lymph nodes might also be removed for staging.
Radiation Therapy: Used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to kill remaining cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: Progestin therapy can be used for early-stage cancers, especially in women who wish to preserve fertility. Chemotherapy: Typically used for more advanced or recurrent cancers.

Prognosis:
Generally good if caught early. Survival rates depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis.

Uterine cancer, particularly endometrial cancer, often presents symptoms early, which can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving outcomes. Regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms are crucial, especially for women in higher risk categories.”