Uterine or uterus is a female reproductive organ that is responsible to contain and protect the development of the fetus. Uterus or the ‘womb’ is highly responsive to hormonal changes. It opens at one end into the cervix while at the other end it is connected with the fallopian tubules.
The egg that is released from ovarian follicle and enters the fallopian tubule, when fertilized, travels into the uterus and gets attached to its wall. This female reproductive organ consists of three walls. An outer one known as Perimetrium, the middle one known as Myometrium that contains smooth muscles and the inner most wall of uterus is known as Endometrium that is highly responsive to hormones. Endometrium proliferates actively in response to production of progesterone and sheds off along with blood when the levels of this hormone decrease due to which menstrual flow occurs.
Malignant neoplasm that arises from this endometrial lining is known as uterine or endometrial cancer. It is known to be the most common type of cancer of uterus. High levels of estrogen are suspected to be a reason. This cancer is of two types. Type 1 occurs in premenopausal women and the type 2 in post-menopausal women.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
Adenocarcinomas are usually seen to occur in uterine cancer. Sarcomas are uncommon and the rarer one includes Malignant mixed mesodermal tumors that are seen to have both glandular as well as connective tissue components. Risks of uterine cancer include obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, nulliparity, hypertension, early menarche, late menopause, high intake of animal fat, diabetes, exposure to radiation, and many more. The symptoms of uterine cancer are mentioned as under.
Pain
Pain can be the symptom of various forms of cancer as well as other disorders. Due to uterine cancer, pain in the lower abdomen or in pelvic area may occur.
Vaginal Discharge
One of the symptoms of uterine cancer may be an unusual discharge from vagina which may be thin, white or clear in post-menopausal women. Vaginal discharge may also be watery or dark with a foul smell.
Vaginal Bleeding
Source: http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=22solomon&logNo=159451280
There may occur spotting or vaginal bleeding in the post-menopausal women. In pre-menopausal women, bleeding between periods might also occur.
Also Read
Treatment After A Hysterectomy Due To Uterine Cancer
Women Who Are At Risk Of Uterine Cancer
Some Common Uterine Cancer Treatments
Some Major Signs And Symptoms Of Uterine Cancer
Diagnostic Methods For Uterine Cancer
Weight Loss
One of the symptoms of endometrial cancer could be unexplained weight loss.
Loss of Appetite
In the advanced stages of this cancer, there may be a reduced appetite in the affected women.
Pain while Passing Urine
In women affected with uterine cancer, there may also be some pain while passing urine.
Pain During Intercourse
Affected women may also feel pain during sexual intercourse.
Anemia
Chronic loss of blood may lead to anemia in the women having cancer of uterus.
Tiredness
Weakness or tiredness that is unusual to someone must not be ignored as this can be a symptom of some disorder or disease. It is also one of the symptoms of endometrial cancer.
Other Symptoms
Pain in legs, constipation and frequent urination can be the symptoms of advanced stages of this cancer and are rare.
Photo Credit: http://www.humanillnesses.com/original/U-Z/Uterine-and-Cervical-Cancer.html#b
