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The first signs of uterine cancer. Signs of uterine cancer in the early stages

The uterus is an unpaired hollow organ 7-9 cm long in nulliparous women and 9-11 cm in women who have given birth, up to 4-5 cm wide (at the level of the fallopian tubes) and up to 3 cm thick (in the anteroposterior direction). In appearance, the uterus resembles a flattened pear, with an angle open anteriorly. The uterus is divided into a body and a cervix, between which there is a narrow isthmus. The wall of the uterus, 1-2 cm thick, has three layers: outer or serous (peritoneal), middle or muscular (myometrium) and internal or mucous (endometrium). During the reproductive period, the endometrium thickens during each menstrual cycle and, if pregnancy does not occur, is rejected and released during menstruation. Malignant degeneration of the cells of this layer leads to the development of endometrial cancer, which is also called uterine cancer.

In the structure of oncological pathology in women, uterine cancer ranks fourth in prevalence, behind breast, colon and lung cancer, and seventh among the causes of death from malignant tumors. In European countries, the incidence of uterine cancer ranges from 13 to 24 cases per 100,000 women, and the mortality rate is 4-5.

Cause of uterine cancer- mutations in endometrial cells, as a result of which they become malignant and therefore acquire the ability to divide uncontrollably, which leads to the formation of a tumor. As the tumor grows and progresses, its malignant cells begin to spread through the lymphatic and blood vessels - lymphogenous and hematogenous metastasis. First, new tumors or metastases appear in the lymph nodes (pelvic and lumbar, or para-aortic), and then in distant organs - lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, brain (see stages of the disease below).

The following are installed risk factors for uterine cancer:

1. Infertility and menstrual irregularities caused by suppression of ovulation, or anovulation (the release of a mature egg in the middle of the cycle) in the reproductive period and premenopause. In this case, there is an increased level of estrogen (hyperestrogenism) against the background of a decrease in progesterone. Estrogens and progesterone are female sex hormones.

2. Absence of childbirth: if a woman has not given birth, the risk of uterine cancer increases by 2-3 times.

3. Start of menstruation before the age of 12 years. Late menopause (cessation of menstruation) - after 52–55 years (anovulatory cycles are more common with age). In other words, the more menstrual cycles, the longer the effect of estrogen on the endometrium and, accordingly, the higher the likelihood of uterine cancer. During anovulatory cycles, estrogen levels are increased.

4. Obesity (adipose tissue serves as an additional source of estrogen synthesis from their precursors).

5. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen preparations only, without progesterone. The risk is directly dependent on the duration of this therapy and the doses of drugs.

7. Some ovarian tumors that produce hormones (estrogens).

8. Hormone therapy for breast cancer: the risk is higher in patients taking tamoxifen. However, in most cases, this risk is small compared to the benefits of taking tamoxifen.

9. Diabetes mellitus.

10. Hereditary colon cancer without polyposis (Lynch syndrome). With this syndrome, the likelihood of developing other malignant tumors, including uterine cancer, increases. If close relatives have had this syndrome, it is necessary to undergo examination (possibly with medical genetic counseling) to exclude uterine cancer.

11. Hyperplastic processes of the endometrium in the past.

12. Age. With age, the likelihood of developing all malignant tumors increases, including uterine cancer in women.

Symptoms of uterine cancer

In premenopause, uterine cancer manifests itself as acyclic (that is, not associated with menstruation) uterine bleeding, less often - heavy and prolonged menstruation. Often the disease begins with watery vaginal discharge, sometimes streaked with blood. After menopause, any vaginal discharge is considered pathological and should be a reason for examination by a gynecologist. A typical mistake of patients is that they associate these manifestations with the upcoming or ongoing “menopause”, consider themselves healthy, and therefore do not seek medical help in a timely manner. Pain in the pelvis and abdomen is a less common symptom and usually indicates the prevalence of the disease. In older women, stenosis (“fusion”) of the cervical canal may occur, with blood accumulating in the uterine cavity (hematometra); Possible accumulation of pus (pyometra). The most common histological type of uterine cancer, adenocarcinoma, usually occurs in the form of two pathogenetic variants, which were described by the outstanding gynecological oncologist Ya. V. Bokhman. The first option is more common in women with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other endocrine and metabolic changes, in whom the tumor developed against the background of prolonged exposure to estrogen (there were no pregnancies, late menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.); the second - in older women (postmenopausal) in the absence of hyperestrogenism, against the background of endometrial atrophy. In the first option, adenocarcinoma develops against the background of simple and then atypical endometrial hyperplasia, in the second - without previous precancerous conditions, in the figurative expression of Ya. V. Bokhman “right off the bat.” The prognosis is better with the first option, because the tumor develops slowly and remains sensitive to hormonal therapeutic effects.

Diagnosis of uterine cancer

The doctor asks the patient about the onset of the disease, all the symptoms (finds out medical history), concomitant gynecological and general diseases (life history), which is especially important if uterine cancer is suspected. To shorten this process and not forget anything, before visiting a gynecologist, it is advisable to remember and write down this data, as well as questions that interest you. Gynecological two-handed And rectovaginal examination make it possible to determine the size of the uterus and its appendages, as well as to determine the prevalence of the tumor process. Perform vaginal ultrasound examination(ultrasound), which is used to determine the size of the tumor. If a tumor is detected, the diagnosis is confirmed by histological examination. To do this, perform aspiration biopsy or separate diagnostic curettage of the uterus. “Separate” means that the scraping is obtained first from the cervical canal and then from the walls of the uterus. This makes it possible to exclude the transfer of a malignant process from the body of the uterus to its cervix. Cytological examination smears from the posterior vaginal fornix for uterine cancer are not very informative.

To choose the most appropriate treatment method, it is necessary to determine the stage of uterine cancer. Chest X-ray allows to exclude the presence of metastases in the lungs. Computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) detect the presence of tumor foci (metastases) in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver and other parts of the abdominal cavity. These methods can be carried out with the introduction of a contrast agent; they are prescribed according to indications.

Stages of uterine cancer:

Stage I. The tumor is within the endometrium or there is invasion (growth) of the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterus).

Stage II. The tumor spreads to the cervix.

Stage III. The tumor has spread beyond the uterus and spreads to the vagina or pelvic or lumbar (para-aortic) lymph nodes.

Stage IV. The tumor grows into the bladder or rectum, or there are distant metastases in the liver, lungs, and inguinal lymph nodes.

Treatment of uterine cancer

The following methods are used: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. These methods are used independently or, more often, in combination. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, tumor size, its histological type (microscopic structure), degree of differentiation, depth of muscle layer invasion, tumor spread beyond the organ, presence of distant metastases, age of the patient and concomitant diseases. The degree of tumor differentiation (G) is determined microscopically and takes values ​​of 1, 2 and 3. The higher the G value, the lower the degree of tumor differentiation and, therefore, the worse the prognosis. In the first pathogenetic variant of uterine cancer, the tumors are highly differentiated (G1), in the second - poorly differentiated (G3).

The surgical treatment method is used most often. During surgery, as with ovarian cancer, surgical staging is performed, which determines the extent of the malignant process (that is, stage) and further treatment tactics. The surgical staging procedure includes an examination of the abdominal organs, a biopsy of the omentum and lymph nodes, a cytological examination of fluid and swabs, etc., that is, it is similar to that carried out for ovarian cancer. The scope of the operation, depending on the above factors, can be as follows: hysterectomy (complete removal of the organ) with appendages, radical hysterectomy with appendages and lymphadenectomy (removal of the pelvic and lumbar lymph nodes). In some cases, the operation is supplemented with removal of the greater omentum. For patients with stages I and II and a high risk of metastasis and relapse after surgery, radiation therapy to the pelvic area is indicated, which can be supplemented by irradiation of the vaginal stump. The surgical method in its own right is used only in stage I in patients with minimal risk of relapse. If surgery is contraindicated, then in stages I and II, combined radiation therapy is used, which includes external (remote) gamma therapy to the pelvic area and lymph nodes (pelvic and/or lumbar), as well as brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves inserting special cylinders containing radioactive sources into the uterus and vaginal vaults. Combined radiation therapy is carried out over several weeks and can be supplemented with chemotherapy or hormone therapy. In stages III and IV, chemotherapy, hormonal and radiation therapy are used in various combinations. Recently, the possibility of performing surgical treatment to reduce the volume of tumor masses in these common stages has been considered. Independent hormonal therapy is carried out for young women who want to preserve fertility and realize reproductive function, only in stage I, when the tumor does not extend beyond the endometrium and contains receptors for female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone). This treatment is only possible in large cancer centers.

Prevention of uterine cancer

Elimination of hyperestrogenism, one of the main risk factors for uterine cancer, is the basis of prevention. Considering that hyperestrogenism leads to endometrial hyperplasia, it is necessary, after curettage of the uterus, which is a therapeutic (the pathological focus is removed) and at the same time a diagnostic procedure (material is obtained for histological examination), to prescribe appropriate therapy with hormonal drugs called progestogens. To identify hyperplastic processes of the endometrium and early uterine cancer, ultrasound is used, focusing on the thickness of the endometrium. It has been established that taking combined oral contraceptives for two years reduces the risk of uterine cancer by 40%, and for four or more years - by 60%.

Remember that the key to successful treatment of uterine cancer is early diagnosis. This is evidenced by data on the 5-year survival rate of patients, which for stages I, II, III and IV is 82, 65, 44 and 15%, respectively. Therefore, if you have the symptoms described in this article, as well as risk factors for uterine cancer, contact your gynecologist in a timely manner.

Uterine cancer is a malignant neoplasm of endometrial cells, i.e., the tissues lining the organ. It is considered one of the most common forms of oncology. It is more often diagnosed in women over 60 years of age, and occurs in isolated cases at a young age.

It is considered the main cause of carcinogenesis. Predisposing factors include high body weight, body irradiation, hypertension and ovarian pathologies.

Cancer of the uterine body has specific clinical manifestations, including uterine bleeding, which has nothing to do with menstruation, pronounced bleeding and discharge of leucorrhoea.

There are no problems establishing the correct diagnosis due to the characteristic symptoms of uterine cancer and the results of instrumental examinations. Not the last place in diagnosis is occupied by gynecological examination and laboratory tests.

Treatment is based on surgery, but must have a comprehensive approach. Additional therapeutic measures include chemotherapy and hormone replacement treatment.

According to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, the disease has an individual code: the ICD-10 code will be C54.

Etiology

To date, the pathogenesis of cancer of the reproductive system remains unknown, however, experts in the field of gynecology and oncology believe that the most common cause of cancer development is hormonal imbalance.

Cancer of the uterine body can occur under the influence of such unfavorable factors:

  • late attack;
  • leakage;
  • immunodeficiency states, in particular and;
  • malignant;
  • early onset of first menstruation;
  • promiscuous sex life;
  • or other endocrinological pathologies;
  • long-term use of hormonal substances;
  • excessively high body weight;
  • infertility;
  • complete lack of sexual activity;
  • period of bearing the first child;
  • early labor;
  • repeated termination of pregnancy;
  • the woman has a precancerous condition - endometrial hyperplasia or uterine polyps;
  • long-term irradiation of the pelvic organs.

The main risk group is women over 60 years of age and with a family history. This means that one of the close relatives must be diagnosed with cancer in the following organs:

  • ovaries;
  • mammary glands;
  • colon;
  • cervix.

Classification

Clinicians identify two common types of cancer of the uterus:

  1. Hormone dependent. It is diagnosed in approximately 70% of situations and develops against the background of active stimulation of cavity tissues by female hormones (estrogens).
  2. Autonomous cancer of the uterine body. Accounts for less than 30% of cases. A distinctive feature is that the tumor is found in elderly women who do not suffer from metabolic disorders, but have a history of uterine bleeding in the postmenopausal period and low body weight.

As the pathology progresses, it goes through several stages of development:

  • functional disorders;
  • morphological background changes;
  • morphological precancerous transformations;
  • malignant neoplasia.

Metastasis occurs in several ways:

  • lymphogenous - para-aortic, inguinal and iliac lymph nodes are at risk;
  • hematogenous - cancer cells are found in the lungs, liver and skeletal system;
  • implantation - is realized when the tumor grows into the myometrium and perimeter or as a result of involvement of the greater omentum and visceral peritoneum in the pathoprocess.

The main classification is represented by the existence of several degrees of severity of the oncological process:

  • 0 degree uterine cancer - considered a precancerous condition;
  • 1st degree uterine cancer - the neoplasm does not spread beyond the organ, but grows into the endometrium; signs may be completely absent or resemble other gynecological disorders;
  • uterine cancer stage 2 - the cancer process involves the cervix, endocervix and cervical stroma;
  • uterine cancer stage 3 - characterized by the presence of local and regional metastases (the ovary, serous membrane, vagina and lymph nodes undergo metastasis);
  • Stage 4 uterine cancer - damage to the large intestine, bladder, distant internal organs and lymph nodes is observed.

How long patients live after complex therapy depends on the stage at which the tumor is diagnosed.

Cancer can differ in microscopic structure, against which the tumor can be of the following types:

  • clear cell carcinoma;
  • squamous cell carcinoma;
  • glandular squamous cell carcinoma;
  • serous cancer;
  • mucinous cancer.

The oncological process happens:

  • highly differentiated;
  • moderately differentiated;
  • poorly differentiated;
  • undifferentiated.

Morphological types largely determine the degree of malignancy and prognosis. For example, undifferentiated cancer has the most unfavorable course, while squamous cell tumors are easy to treat and have a high probability of recovery.

Cancer growth in the uterus has several growth options:

  • exophytic - germination into the lumen of the organ;
  • endophytic - the tumor grows into the thickness of the muscle wall;
  • mixed.

Symptoms

Uterine cancer can be completely asymptomatic for a long time. The following are the first signs of uterine cancer in the early stages:

  • heavy menstruation;
  • mild pain in the lower abdomen;
  • inability to conceive a child for a long time;
  • menstrual irregularities - periods become irregular and acyclic.

During the postmenopausal period, symptoms of uterine cancer in women will be quite specific - scanty or heavy uterine bleeding.

Signs of late stage uterine cancer:

  • increased pain in the lower part of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity;
  • spread of pain to the sacrum and lumbar region;
  • copious discharge of leucorrhoea with a foul odor;
  • intestinal disorder;
  • the presence of pathological impurities in the stool - blood and mucus;
  • frequent and painful urge to urinate;
  • a sharp decrease in body weight, despite normal or increased appetite;
  • an increase in the size of the abdomen due to the accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
  • attacks of nausea and vomiting;
  • pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

When the lesion is complicated by the spread of metastases, the clinical picture will be supplemented by signs of damage to one or another internal organ. For example, if the skeletal system is involved in the oncological process, the symptoms of endometrial cancer of the uterus will be supplemented by frequent fractures.

Diagnostics

If symptoms of uterine cancer occur, it is necessary to seek qualified help from a gynecologist as soon as possible, who will prescribe instrumental and laboratory diagnostic measures. The doctor must carry out primary diagnostic procedures:

  • studying the medical history of not only the patient, but also her close relatives - to search for a provocateur or confirm the influence of genetic predisposition;
  • familiarization with life history - to identify a provocateur that has nothing to do with other diseases;
  • manual and instrumental gynecological examination;
  • deep palpation of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity;
  • a detailed survey - to identify the severity of symptoms, which will indicate the type and stage of cancer.

The most informative laboratory tests:

  • biochemical blood test;
  • general analysis of urine and blood;
  • samples to determine cancer markers;
  • hormonal tests;
  • microscopic examination of feces;
  • vaginal smear culture.

The following instrumental procedures can accurately confirm the diagnosis of uterine cancer:

  • hysteroscopy;
  • X-ray of the sternum;
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and peritoneum;
  • colonoscopy;
  • cystoscopy;
  • CT and MRI;
  • excretory urography;
  • diagnostic laparoscopy.

The first signs and symptoms of uterine cancer may resemble the development of other pathologies. During differential diagnosis, oncology must be distinguished from the following diseases:

Often women are interested in the question of whether uterine fibroids can develop into cancer. Myoma is usually not dangerous and does not become malignant. However, cancerous degeneration is possible under the influence of unfavorable factors - poor lifestyle, irregular sexual contacts and peritoneal injuries.

Treatment

The choice of treatment tactics is influenced by several factors:

  • stage of the oncological process;
  • the severity of symptoms and signs of uterine cancer;
  • morphological structure of the pathological focus.

Treatment for uterine cancer will be complex:

  • surgery;
  • radiation therapy;
  • oral administration of hormonal substances;
  • chemotherapy.

If stage 1 uterine cancer is diagnosed, a procedure such as endometrial ablation is usually used. In other cases, the operation may have the following options:

  • panhysterectomy;
  • excision of the uterus followed by bilateral adnexectomy or lymphadenectomy;
  • bougienage of the cervical canal.

Prevention and prognosis

To prevent women from developing cancer of the reproductive system, it is necessary to adhere to the following general preventive measures:

  • complete renunciation of addictions;
  • engaging in protected sex only;
  • proper and balanced nutrition;
  • competent use of medicinal substances;
  • body weight indicators are within normal limits;
  • prevention of body exposure;
  • timely detection and treatment of gynecological and endocrine pathologies that can cause the development of oncology;
  • visit a gynecologist at least 4 times a year - to detect the first signs of uterine cancer as early as possible.

Cancer of the uterine body has an ambiguous prognosis, which depends on the stage of progression of the cancer focus at which the diagnosis was made and treatment began. If stage 1 uterine cancer is diagnosed, the five-year survival rate is 98%, stage 2 is approximately 70%, stage 3 is on average 30%, and stage 4 is only 5%.

Is everything in the article correct from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer, cancer of the uterine mucosa, cancer of the uterine body) is a malignant tumor that develops from the tissues of the uterus, which can subsequently spread throughout the body. Today, uterine cancer has become very widespread and ranks fourth among women, second in frequency only to breast, skin and gastrointestinal cancer. Women over 50 years of age are most susceptible to the development of this malignant neoplasm. Since the uterus is a multilayered organ, the type of tumor that develops directly depends on its location

Uterine cancer - causes

There are a number of factors that can aggravate the risk of developing uterine cancer, but the exact cause of the development of this disease has not yet been determined. According to numerous studies, risk factors for developing uterine cancer include: hypertension, smoking, HIV, infection with the human papillomavirus, menstrual irregularities and late menopause, early onset of sexual activity, taking oral contraceptives, early first birth and a large number of sexual partners.

Obesity is a serious risk factor for the development of this disease. If a woman's body weight exceeds the norm by 10-25 kilograms, the risk of developing uterine cancer increases three times, and if a woman's body weight exceeds the norm by 25 kilograms, then nine times.

The following precancerous conditions play a significant role in the occurrence of this malignant neoplasm: scars after birth trauma, erosion, ulcers, leukoplakia and epithelial proliferation (polyps, condylomas), chronic inflammatory processes (endometritis and endocervicitis).

Depending on the nature of the epithelium of various parts of the uterus, adenocarcinoma (glandular cancer) of the cervical canal and uterine cavity and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix are distinguished. Adenocarcinoma is the main morphological variant with a prevalence of about 70%. A fairly rare tumor that affects the uterus is sarcoma. Tumor differentiation is divided into three degrees: undifferentiated, moderately differentiated and well differentiated.

In addition to differentiation, there are four stages of development of uterine cancer:

Stage 1 – the neoplasm is located in the body of the uterus

Stage 2 – the neoplasm affects the body and cervix

Stage 3 – the neoplasm spreads to the parametrial tissue with metastases in the vagina

Stage 4 – the tumor spreads beyond the pelvis, growing into the bladder and/or rectum

How to reduce your risk of developing uterine cancer

Numerous studies have found that taking combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) significantly reduces the risk of developing uterine cancer, especially for nulliparous women. It is assumed that the protective effect of contraceptive oral contraceptives develops after one year of regular use of these medications and can last for about ten years from the date of cessation of their use.

Paradoxically, according to research, the risk of developing uterine cancer is significantly reduced in women who smoke (most likely due to early menopause), however, even for the prevention of cancer, smoking is strongly discouraged, since smoking significantly increases the risk of developing other malignant neoplasms (cancer). cervix, lung cancer, etc.)

Uterine cancer - symptoms

All women over forty years of age are advised to monitor themselves very closely for possible symptoms of uterine cancer. If symptoms are noticed immediately after the onset of this malignant tumor and the woman consults a doctor without the slightest delay, the chances of a full recovery increase significantly. However, unfortunately, uterine cancer is a disease whose obvious symptoms appear only in the later stages.

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer before menopause

If a woman is in the period of becoming menopausal, irregular bleeding may be observed from the vagina, which from month to month becomes scarcer and comes less and less often.

During this period, a symptom of uterine cancer should be considered all bloody discharge from the vagina, which does not become rarer or less abundant over time. In addition, uterine cancer can be suspected if menstruation gradually became more scanty and infrequent, and then suddenly began to come more often and intensify

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer during menopause

If a woman has already reached menopause (menopause) and has not had a period for at least several months, any spotting or any bleeding from the vagina should be considered symptoms of uterine cancer, regardless of their frequency, duration or quantity (scanty or heavy)

Other possible symptoms of uterine cancer

Regardless of age and menopause, possible symptoms of uterine cancer include: bleeding or pain after or during sex; nagging pain in the perineum, lower back or lower abdomen; increased fatigue and noticeable weight loss.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, and the sooner this is done, the much greater the chances of a full recovery.

In pregnant women, uterine cancer is observed very rarely, and if it is detected during pregnancy, removal of the uterus is indicated to save the woman’s life.

Uterine cancer - diagnosis

Diagnosis of this disease consists of conducting an internal gynecological examination using speculum, which allows the doctor to examine the vaginal part of the cervix and the wall of the vagina itself to exclude causes of bleeding that may be directly related to diseases of these organs. If uterine cancer has spread to larger areas, additional research is carried out through the rectum to clarify the transition of the malignant tumor to the sacrouterine ligaments and pelvic walls. In all cases of any changes, to detect the presence of early forms of cancer, smears are taken from the cervix for cytological examination and a biopsy is performed.

Other diagnostic methods performed include: lymphography, ultrasound tomography, intravenous pyelography, ileocavagraphy, irrigography, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, MRI, CT, fine needle tumor biopsy and lymphangiography. These studies are very important for developing the optimal plan for combined or radiation treatment.

Uterine cancer - treatment

The treatment tactics directly depend on the general condition and age of the patient, as well as the clinical stage of the cancer. In most cases, when this disease is detected in the early stages, treatment involves surgical complete removal of both the uterus itself and its appendages (ovaries, fallopian tubes), and sometimes it is necessary to simultaneously remove the pelvic lymph nodes. In later stages of the disease, treatment is carried out with radiation (radiation therapy, radiotherapy) and drugs (chemotherapy). In addition, it is possible to carry out combined treatment, when surgical intervention is followed by intracavitary gamma therapy. For stage 3 uterine cancer, preoperative radiation therapy is indicated. As an independent method, radiation therapy is used in the case of local location of a malignant tumor, as well as for various contraindications to surgery. In the third and fourth stages of the disease, antitumor drugs are effectively used.

In case of timely detection and immediate adequate treatment, the prognosis for future life is quite favorable. Removal (extirpation) of the uterus eliminates not only the affected organ, but also avoids further spread of the process by lymphogenous and hematogenous routes. If you do not see a doctor in a timely manner, the survival rate drops very significantly. Even after surgery, for stage 2 uterine cancer the survival rate is about 60%, for stage 3 or more – about 20%.

Content

Uterine cancer is a malignant tumor that forms on the surface of the endometrium. Patients over 50 years of age during menopause and menopause are at risk. Regular preventive examination by a gynecologist will help prevent cervical cancer.

Reasons

Scientists have not yet figured out the exact causes of uterine cancer, but through numerous studies they have identified the following most likely factors:

  • excess body weight;
  • absence of childbirth;
  • polycystic ovary syndrome.

Uterine cancer is often inherited Therefore, women should pay attention to genetic predisposition.

Only a doctor will be able to determine the exact causes of the development of such a pathology after a comprehensive diagnosis. Other associated factors that influence the formation of uterine cancer can be identified:

  • diabetes mellitus;
  • hypertensive diseases;
  • smoking and alcohol abuse;
  • human papillomavirus;
  • sexual activity at an early age;
  • late onset of menopause;
  • disruption of the menstrual cycle;
  • infertility;
  • venereal diseases;
  • use of hormonal drugs without a doctor's prescription.

How to prevent cancer from developing

Experts have conducted numerous studies and found that using combined oral contraceptives reduces the risk of cancer. This is especially true for women who have not given birth. If you take these drugs regularly for a year, their effect will last for the next ten years.

Uterine cancer is rarely diagnosed in patients with nicotine addiction. This is due to the fact that such women go through menopause early. But doctors strongly do not recommend smoking as a preventive measure. It is known that nicotine causes the occurrence of other malignant tumors - lung cancer.

Symptoms and clinical manifestations

Since the causes of uterine cancer have not yet been fully studied, women over 40 years of age are recommended to regularly come for a preventive examination to a gynecologist. He will be able to diagnose pathological neoplasms at their initial stage and prescribe effective treatment. With such careful attitude towards your own health, you can avoid serious complications.

The main symptom of uterine cancer is spotting brown discharge or heavy bleeding.

The most common cause of uterine cancer is excess body weight. Exceeding the normal weight by 10–15 kg provokes the occurrence of various pathological changes in the endometrium. The “soil” for the emergence of cancer cells can be erosion, ulcers, postpartum scars, polyps, condylomas, leukoplakia, inflammatory foci and other pathological growths of the epithelium. These are the most likely causes of uterine cancer. If you do not come to the gynecologist for a preventive examination and self-medicate, you may encounter serious complications and deterioration in well-being.

Based on the nature of the epithelium in the uterine cavity, women can be diagnosed with squamous cell and glandular cancer of the cervical canal (adenocarcinoma and sarcoma). Malignant neoplasms have high, low and moderate differentiation.

Depending on the cause of uterine cancer, this disease can manifest itself with different symptoms. Women do not always take good care of their own health, which is why a malignant tumor is diagnosed only after several months.

Early clinical manifestations of uterine cancer

The initial stage of uterine cancer is characterized by mild soreness in the lower abdomen and mild malaise, which is often attributed to fatigue.

Often in the middle of the menstrual cycle, women experience spotting brown discharge. Such symptoms indicate the development of a dense tumor in the uterine cavity. The main reason for the disruption of the menstrual cycle is hormonal imbalance.

Main symptoms of uterine cancer

The development of uterine cancer is accompanied by various causes, so when the first suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult your doctor. When a malignant tumor enlarges in the uterine cavity, patients experience white or brownish discharge. Acute pain in the lower abdomen causes malaise and decreased performance. These characteristic symptoms manifest themselves during the period of tumor disintegration. Uterine cancer is a rather insidious disease, because in some patients a malignant tumor can develop without obvious clinical manifestations.

Discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the presence of mucus or blood streaks. They often have an unpleasant odor, which makes women feel uncomfortable. If an infection penetrates inside the vagina, patients develop purulent discharge with a pungent odor. This symptom also indicates the development of late stage cancer.

When a malignant tumor affects a large area of ​​the endometrium, women experience heavy bleeding. It leads to severe anemia, so it is necessary to call an ambulance to hospitalize and stop the hemorrhage in the uterine cavity.

Contact bleeding is another provoking factor and cause of the development of cervical cancer. It occurs after douching, diagnostic scraping of the epithelium and physical exertion. During menopause, any spotting of blood indicates the development of a malignant tumor. Inflammation of the lymph nodes manifests itself as acute pain in the lower abdomen. They increase in diameter and compress the autonomic nerve trunks. With such unfavorable symptoms, patients may experience a sharp decrease in body weight.

Methods for diagnosing cervical cancer

Correctly determining the cause of uterine cancer can only be done after a comprehensive examination by a gynecologist. The doctor will review the complaints, examine the patient’s medical history and prescribe laboratory tests. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, consultation with other specialists is often required. Only after receiving the results will the woman be prescribed the correct treatment.

The examination includes a vaginal or rectal examination reproductive organ, as well as visual examination using gynecological speculum.

With a vaginal approach to the cervix, doctors will be able to immediately note any growths. A malignant tumor can be exophytic, mixed or endophytic.

If the doctor accidentally touches the tumor with his finger, it will begin to bleed. To clarify the diagnosis, gynecologists may decide to conduct additional research through the rectum. They will assess the condition of the pelvic walls and uterosacral ligaments. Timely diagnosis will prevent the development of serious complications in the cervix and determine the exact cause of the growth of a malignant neoplasm. Over the past few years, specialists have increasingly resorted to ultrasound tomography, which helps differentiate the nature of the tumor.

In most cases, uterine cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes, therefore, pathological changes can be assessed using lymphography or ileocavagraphy.

The most informative examination methods include:

  • radiography;
  • intravenous pyelography;
  • irrigography;
  • cystoscopy;
  • sigmoidoscopy.

Based on the results of the examination, the gynecologist draws up a plan for combination or radiation therapy for the progression of uterine cancer.

Features of cancer treatment

The effectiveness of therapeutic treatment depends on the age and cause of the tumor. Malignant formations rapidly increase in size, so doctors recommend surgical intervention. They suggest removing the uterus, adnexa and pelvic lymph nodes. Whenever possible, gynecologists resort to combined treatment. First of all, patients undergo surgical intervention, after which they undergo external irradiation of the vaginal stump.

Postoperative radiation therapy is effective in the third stage of uterine cancer. According to the doctor's indications, this technique can be used as the main treatment if patients have contraindications to surgical intervention.

Women are prescribed medications that slow down the growth and development of cancer cells. During therapeutic treatment, you must regularly come for examination to a gynecologist, the doctor will evaluate the condition of the uterine cavity. Investigations are carried out using x-rays, smears, ultrasound examinations and intravenous pyelography.

If after treatment a malignant tumor forms in the same place after some time, this section of the endometrium is removed.

Some patients are diagnosed with distant metastases, so they are recommended to undergo chemotherapy. This is the most effective palliative treatment that will help cope with such pathological neoplasms.

Treatment with traditional medicine

Traditional medicine will not help prevent cervical cancer, so the first negative symptoms should be a reason to consult a doctor. Only a gynecologist will be able to accurately determine the provoking factor in the development of pathological neoplasms. Medicinal herbs favorably reduce the severity of clinical manifestations and improve overall well-being.

Most often, infusions and decoctions are prescribed to patients with uterine cancer at an early stage. The most effective remedy is hogweed and red brush. These plants relieve inflammation in the cervix, therefore slowing down the growth of malignant cells. Before using medicinal herbs, tinctures and decoctions, you should consult your doctor.

Many women, noticing unpleasant symptoms, often assume the worst and begin to look for signs of a particular disease. For example, if abnormalities are noticed on the part of the genital organs, then many begin to think whether it is oncology. But this disease remains asymptomatic for a long time.

Uterine cancer is one of the most common oncologies in women. In terms of prevalence, it ranks 2nd, with breast cancer in first place.

Judging by statistics, women of two age categories are at increased risk:

  • From 35 to 40 years;
  • From 60 to 65 years.

On average, cancer of the genital organs occurs in 2-3% of the female population, at the rate of 10 diseases per 100 thousand people.

Oncologists divide uterine endometrial cancer into two types: autonomous and hormonal.
Autonomous – occurs in a third of all cases of this oncology. It occurs without any special prerequisites, often for no reason. This type is believed to be hereditary or due to injury.

Hormonal – occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the female body. Two thirds of all cases of this oncology. Characterized by disruption of endocrine metabolism.

According to histological definitions, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

  • sarcoma;
  • adenocarcinoma;
  • leukomyosarkinoma;
  • squamous;
  • glandular cell.

There is a classification of tumors by differentiation:

  1. High differentiation.
  2. Moderate differentiation.
  3. Missing differentiation.

Stages and stages of uterine cancer:

  1. Healthy epithelium.
  2. The tumor is located directly in the uterine body, the probability of complete recovery is more than 90%.
  3. Penetration beyond the boundaries of the uterine body, damage to most of it and the cervix, about 75% recover.
  4. Metastases to the appendages, vagina and perimeter tissue, approximately 40% survive.
  5. The tumor penetrates beyond the vagina, ending up in the bladder and rectum; less than 15% of patients cope.

Risk factors and causes of this disease include:

  • infertility;
  • smoking;
  • late menopause;
  • hypertension;
  • adenoma of the adrenal cortex;
  • absence of pregnancy with natural delivery;
  • taking contraceptives, treatment with hormonal drugs;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • ovarian tumors that produce hormones;
  • obesity;
  • severe liver pathologies;
  • negative heredity, the presence in the pedigree of oncologies such as damage to the mammary gland, intestines, uterine body;
  • exposure to irradiation of organs in the pelvis.

Symptoms in early stage cancer

Symptoms of uterine cancer are very diverse, but for a long time the first signs of cancer are asymptomatic. They are usually detected long before symptomatic manifestations during an examination by a gynecologist, when a special Pap smear is taken. If the pathology is detected at an early stage, it can be effectively treated.

The first sign of early-stage uterine cancer that should alarm you is uterine bleeding not during menstruation; it occurs in different ways:

  • abundantly or sparingly;
  • repeatedly, breakthrough or one-time;
  • intermittently;
  • after sexual contact;
  • gynecological examination;
  • douching;
  • lifting weights and other things.

In addition, the following symptoms are also common:

  • mucous discharge with an unpleasant odor;
  • general malaise (increased fatigue, pain in the lower extremities, increased frequency of mood swings);
  • back pain;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • prolonged bloody-purulent discharge.

For girls and women who are premenopausal, the presence of uterine discharge with blood is considered normal or may indicate other diseases, such as fibryomyoma, endometrial dysplasia, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, endometriosis, endometriosis and others.

In women during menopause, any sudden bleeding is a sign of cancer of the genital organs.

Pay attention! Pain is already a late symptom, indicating that the lymph nodes and tissue of the small pelvis are involved in the oncological process, in which the resulting infiltrate compresses the nerve trunks and plexuses. These manifestations occur rarely and only in the last stages, so women with this oncology look quite healthy.

Diagnosis of uterine cancer

In the early stages, pathology is determined using a special Papanicolaou smear, which is taken during a routine examination by a gynecologist.

The doctor can determine later stages by the following signs:

  • the genitals are enlarged, heterogeneous, and inactive;
  • absence of pain or other manifestations of inflammation;
  • presence of discharge.

To confirm the diagnosis, additional research methods are prescribed:

  • general clinical analysis of blood and urine;
  • blood test for cancer cameras;
  • Ultrasound and MRI of the abdominal cavity and pelvis, which can also determine pathologies of the genital organs;
  • colposcopy;
  • histological examination of materials obtained from;
  • examination of other organs for the presence of metastases.

You should visit your doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

  • bleeding;
  • pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding;
  • swelling of the lower extremities;
  • problems with urination, pain;
  • bleeding after sexual intercourse;
  • unpleasant-smelling discharge during menstruation.

Consequences

Without timely and adequate treatment, uterine cancer is fatal. This is a very dangerous disease. Very often it requires removal along with the appendages, vagina and cervix.

It metastasizes through the lymph nodes and circulatory system (terminal stage), both in the uterine body and beyond, into the vagina, kidneys, liver and bones.