Uterine Cancer Specialist

What is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer affects your uterus (womb), causing cells to grow out of control and form tumors. There are two types of uterine cancer:

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer affects your endometrium, which is the inner lining of your uterus. This type of uterine cancer is one of the more common female reproductive system cancers. 

Uterine sarcoma

Uterine sarcomas develop in the uterus's muscular wall (myometrium). It is a far more rare type of uterine cancer.

There are several other uncommon forms of uterine cancer, but as endometrial cancer is the most widespread by far, the terms uterine cancer and endometrial cancer often refer to the same condition.

What are the causes of uterine cancer?

The underlying cause of most uterine cancers is high levels of the female sex hormone estrogen or prolonged exposure to estrogen. Risk factors that increase your susceptibility to uterine cancer include:

• Obesity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Lynch syndrome (a genetic disorder)
• Being over 50
• Eating a lot of animal fats
• Family history of certain cancers
• Starting menstruation before the age of 12
• Late menopause
• Never having been pregnant
• Using estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

In many cases, these risk factors are the cause of elevated levels of estrogen or your body’s exposure to estrogen for extended periods. Houston Cancer Institute, PA, does onsite genetic testing to detect problems like Lynch syndrome that may increase your risk of uterine cancer.

What symptoms might uterine cancer cause?

Uterine cancer may cause bleeding between periods or post-menopausal spotting. After menopause, you might also notice a thin clear, or white vaginal discharge.

Other symptoms of uterine cancer include lower abdominal pain, pelvic cramps, and long, frequent, or heavy vaginal bleeding when you're over 40.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed and treated?

Following a consultation and pelvic exam, you might need a blood test called a CA-125 assay. This test measures levels of a specific protein that increases if you have uterine cancer. 

In addition to featuring an onsite phlebology (blood testing) facility, the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, can perform imaging tests like PET/CT scans and transvaginal ultrasound at its state-of-the-art diagnostic center. Another procedure you might need to undergo is a hysteroscopy to collect a tissue sample for analysis.

Surgery may be necessary to remove your tumors. Other treatments for uterine cancer include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

Your uterine cancer treatment plan consists of the most appropriate combination of therapies depending on the type of cancer you have and how far it has advanced.

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

To benefit from the Houston Cancer Institute, PA’s considerable expertise in treating uterine cancer, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.