Uterine Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Tests

Most endometrial cancers have an unknown cause, but there are several factors that can make a cancer of the endometrium more likely. However, there are a number of things that can boost the chances of developing it. However, when a woman is exposed to the hormone estrogen without adequate levels of the hormone progesterone, it can contribute to the changes in the endometrium that occur during endometrial cancer. 

Some medical conditions that increase the likelihood of getting the disease are obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, certain hormone treatments, use of tamoxifen, early menstruation and late menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometrial hyperplasia, and having relatives that had endometrial cancer. Some cases are associated with inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome. Another prominent risk factor is age; endometrial cancer is most common amongst postmenopausal women. Someone with a risk factor may well not develop cancer, and those who don't have a known risk factor may develop cancer anyway.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

Since one of the initial signs of endometrial cancer may be abnormal bleeding, it's crucial to be able to recognize uterine cancer symptoms as early as possible. Symptoms can include vaginal bleeding and/or abnormal vaginal discharge that occurs outside the normal periods, vaginal bleeding after menopause, pelvic ache, and pain during intercourse or urination.

While not always indicative of cancer, bleeding is a problem after menopause that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Abnormal bleeding occurs for a variety of reasons, but it can be evaluated to learn why. Depending on where and how much disease is present, there could be other symptoms. Many conditions other than cancer can present with the same symptoms as uterine cancer and therefore, symptoms by themselves should not lead to a diagnosis of uterine cancer.

Uterine Cancer Tests

A doctor might use several tests and procedures if they suspect that a woman has uterine cancer. Decisions are made based on the symptoms, medical history, exam, and other factors.

Pelvic Examination

A pelvic exam provides a health care provider with an opportunity to inspect the reproductive organs and to identify abnormalities. Medical history and symptoms also feature as part of the initial evaluation.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

Transvaginal ultrasound is a procedure where ultrasound is used to create images of the uterus and its associated organs. May assist doctors in examining the uterus and figuring out if there are abnormalities that need to be investigated further. Ultrasound alone cannot confirm endometrial cancer.

Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial biopsy is performed by taking a small piece of tissue from the inside of the uterus. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to see if the cells are abnormal or if there are any cancerous cells. If endometrial cancer is suspected, a sample of uterine tissue is taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy involves passing a thin instrument that has a light and camera into the vagina and cervix to view the inside of the uterus. Tissue might be taken for lab tests if an abnormal area is detected that is different from normal.

Dilation and Curettage

D&C, also known as dilation and curettage, can be performed to get uterine tissue for analysis. A surgeon might want to do this if there is not enough tissue available to be removed with other methods, or if she or he wants to get more information.

Imaging Tests for Uterine Cancer

Imaging may also help give more information regarding the uterus and surrounding structures. Physicians may have images such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done according to the clinical situation. Imaging may be useful when assessing the amount of disease, especially after a diagnosis of cancer, when it is often used to help determine if the disease has spread. The imaging modality used will depend on the clinical question and type of cancer. PET-CT can also be used to evaluate or stage disease in selected patients. It can offer information with regard to metabolic activity and also anatomical structures.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

However, it's important to note that endometrial cancer can also present with some symptoms fairly early on and encourage people to seek attention early before the disease has advanced. Early evaluation of abnormal bleeding and other concerning symptoms can help identify the cause and may allow endometrial cancer to be diagnosed at an earlier stage. Numerous symptoms may be from causes unrelated to cancer. If you are experiencing unusual or persistent symptoms, you can talk to your doctor about getting them checked to help pinpoint the true problem and determine if further testing is necessary.

Conclusion

At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, diagnostic imaging services can support the evaluation of patients when imaging is clinically indicated. Depending on the doctor's recommendation, imaging such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT may provide additional information about abnormalities and the extent of disease. Diagnostic imaging is generally interpreted along with symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings, pathology results, and other relevant information. No single scan should be considered a substitute for a complete medical evaluation.