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Posts Tagged ‘Ultrasound Examination’

Endometrial cancer, malignancy of the lining of the womb, is the third most common cause of cancer death in women. It needn’t be. More than 35,000 American women are diagnosed every year. Other uterine cancer includes cervical carcinoma, sarcoma of the myometrium (cancer of the uterine smooth muscle) and trophoblastic disease, which arises from placental stem cells.

Most carcinomas of the lining of the womb have their origin in a thin layer of cells that line the inner surface of the uterus called epithelial cells. There are two types: Type I, which is found in women before or approaching menopause. These tend not to invade other tissue layers and their prognosis is good. Type II are mainly found in women of African-American origin who have been through the menopause. These are more serious. A less common type of cancer, endometrial sarcoma, originates from the connective tissue.

Symptoms – Vaginal bleeding is the most usual symptom that something is wrong. Women before the age of menopause may experience bleeding in between periods or heavier and longer than normal menses. Women who have been through menopause should see their doctor if they have any bleeding whatsoever. Difficulty or pain emptying the bladder, painful sex and lower abdominal pain or cramping may also be evident. Whatever the symptom, anything out of the ordinary is not something that ‘has to be put up with’ or ‘just part of being a woman’. It may be a sign of something life threatening and should be investigated.

Diagnosis – The doctor will perform an internal examination and may take blood samples to be sent off for testing. He may perform or request a vaginal ultrasound examination. This involves the insertion of a gentle probe, about the size of a tampon, and monitoring on a screen. It may be necessary to take a biopsy, either in the doctor’s office or in a hospital.

Treatment – Cancer of the cervix may be treated by radiation or cone biopsy. Endometrial cancers require a total hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. In all cases, several years of follow-up are recommended to ensure the disease does not recur.

Causes and Risk Factors – The actual cause is not known but there are recognized risk factors. These are high estrogen levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), difficulty conceiving or no history of pregnancy, early onset of menstruation or late cessation of periods (menopause). Other risk factors are cancers of the breast or ovaries, use of Tamoxifen (a cancer drug), pelvic radiation, being over the age of 35, diabetes or a history of anovulatory menstrual cycles.

Prevention – Some risk factors can be reduced by the individual. These include high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, a high fat diet (in particular, animal fats). A high daily consumption of alcohol may also elevate the risk.

Heavy menstrual periods, pain and bleeding after menopause are not normal and not something that women have to put up with. Symptoms should never be ignored. There are a lot of innocent and easily treatable conditions that share these symptoms but it is impossible to tell without the necessary diagnostic procedures. Never make the assumption that there is no thing seriously wrong.

Fibroids are one form of tumors in the uterus. If you suffer from these tumors and are looking for some information about fibroids treatment options, you need to visit PCOSandFibroids.com. The site has resources and information also about natural home remedies to treat fibroids.