Introduction

endometrial Ca, malignant endometrial neoplasm, neoplasm of endometrium (disorder), endometrial neoplasm, malignant neoplasm of endometrium, primary malignant neoplasm of endometrium, tumor of Endometrium,uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, Uterine (uterus) cancer,

Cancer of the womb (uterus) is a common cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It's also called uterine cancer and endometrial cancer.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of womb cancer.

If you have been through the Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) , any vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal. If you have not yet been through the menopause, unusual bleeding may include bleeding between your periods.

You should see your GP as soon as possible if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding. While it's unlikelyto becaused by womb cancer, it's best to be sure.

Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They will refer you to a specialist for further tests if they suspect you may have a serious problem, or if they are unsure about a diagnosis.

This type of cancer is called uterine sarcoma and may be treated in a different way from endometrial cancer.

This article uses the term womb cancer, andmostly includes information about endometrial cancer. Specifically, your risk is increased if you have high levels of a hormone called oestrogen in your body.

A number ofthings can cause this hormone imbalance, including obesity, diabetes, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) .There is also a small increase in the risk of womb cancer with long-term use of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.

It's not always possible to prevent womb cancer, but some things are thought to reduce your risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and the long-term use of some types of contraception .

 

A hysterectomy can cure womb cancer in its early stages, but you will no longer be able to get pregnant. Surgery for womb cancer is also likely to include the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Radiotherapy or chemotherapy are also sometimes used, often in conjunction with surgery.

A type of hormone therapy may be used if you are yet to go through the menopause and would still like to have children.

Even if your cancer is advanced and the chances of a cure are small, treatment can still help to relieve symptoms and prolong your life.

You may find it physically more difficult to have sex and have a reduced sex drive.

You may find it beneficial to talk to other people about your condition, including family members, your partner, or other people with womb cancer.

It's the fourth most common cancer diagnosedin women after breast cancer, lung cancer, and cancer of the colon and rectum.

In the UK, about 8,475 new cases of womb cancer are diagnosed each year. Womb cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause, and most cases are diagnosed in women aged 40 to 74.

Womb cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers diagnosed in women.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016