Uterine Cancer Diagnosed and Treated by Mercy's Gynecologic Oncologists
For early diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer, it is important to find the best doctors who have a thorough understanding and experience recognizing the symptoms of uterine cancer, also referred to as endometrial cancer. Surgeons of The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy in Baltimore have the knowledge and skills needed for treating female reproductive tract cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine or endometrial cancers.
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
The most common uterine cancer symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding sometimes accompanied by pelvic pain or pressure. It is important to receive a pelvic exam when any of the following uterine cancer symptoms occur:
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Trouble urinating
Tests for Uterine Cancer
There is no specific screening to test for uterine cancer. If abnormalities of the uterus are found during a pelvic exam, the following tests may be performed to determine if uterine cancer is present:
- Transvaginal ultrasound - through use of soundwaves, an image is created allowing for a full view of the uterus
- Hysteroscopy - to provide a full view of the uterus, a lighted, flexible tube with a lens is inserted into the uterus
- Biopsy - a sample of tissue is taken from the uterus and tested for uterine cancer
- Dilation and curettage (D&C) - under general anesthesia, tissue is scraped or snipped from the uterus to be examined for uterine cancer
Stages of Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer often is detected at an early stage. The stages of uterine cancer include:
- Stage I - uterine cancer is only in the uterus
- Stage II - uterine cancer is in the uterus and cervix
- Stage III - uterine cancer is in the pelvic area, including lymph nodes
- Stage IV - uterine cancer has spread to organs such as lungs, bowel, bladder, and abdomen