{"id":11546,"date":"2025-11-03T10:17:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T07:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/?p=11546"},"modified":"2025-11-03T10:17:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T07:17:59","slug":"how-is-uterine-cancer-treated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/","title":{"rendered":"How is uterine cancer treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 11 minutes 60 seconds<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#What_is_uterine_cancer\" title=\"What is uterine cancer?\">What is uterine cancer?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#What_is_cervical_cancer\" title=\"What is cervical cancer?\">What is cervical cancer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#What_causes_uterine_cancer\" title=\"What causes uterine cancer?\">What causes uterine cancer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#What_are_the_symptoms_of_uterine_cancer\" title=\"What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?\">What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Stage_I_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\" title=\"Stage I Uterine Cancer Symptoms:\">Stage I Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Second_Stage_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\" title=\"Second Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:\">Second Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Third_Stage_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\" title=\"Third Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:\">Third Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Stage_IV_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\" title=\"Stage IV Uterine Cancer Symptoms:\">Stage IV Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#What_are_the_risk_factors_for_uterine_cancer\" title=\"What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?\">What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Can_uterine_cancer_be_detected_by_ultrasound\" title=\"Can uterine cancer be detected by ultrasound?\">Can uterine cancer be detected by ultrasound?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#How_is_uterine_cancer_diagnosed\" title=\"How is uterine cancer diagnosed?\">How is uterine cancer diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#How_is_uterine_cancer_treated\" title=\"How is uterine cancer treated?\">How is uterine cancer treated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/how-is-uterine-cancer-treated\/#Is_uterine_cancer_surgery_risky\" title=\"Is uterine cancer surgery risky?\">Is uterine cancer surgery risky?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_uterine_cancer\"><\/span>What is uterine cancer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in the pelvis of women where the baby grows during pregnancy. In this area, cells grow and multiply at an abnormal rate, forming uterine cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause, but in rare cases it can also be seen in younger women. This is the most common type of gynecological cancer and may cause symptoms such as abnormal discharge or bleeding, weight loss, or pelvic pain. However, it should be noted that these symptoms may not appear immediately in the early stages of cancer.<\/p>\n<p>In the early stages of uterine cancer, there may be no obvious symptoms. Therefore, knowing the risk groups for uterine cancer can be extremely important in the early diagnosis of the disease. We will discuss this topic in more detail later in this article.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_cervical_cancer\"><\/span>What is cervical cancer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although cervical cancer and uterine cancer are sometimes confused with each other, let&#8217;s start by stating that these are two different types of cancer. Cervical cancer is a different type of cancer than uterine cancer and therefore requires a different treatment approach.<\/p>\n<p>The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina and acts as a passageway between the two. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in this area and occurs as a result of persistent HPV infection of certain types.<\/p>\n<p>Cervical cancer grows very slowly and may not cause symptoms at first. Therefore, it is very important for people in high-risk groups to have regular tests for early diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_uterine_cancer\"><\/span>What causes uterine cancer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown. However, certain factors are thought to play a role in the development of this disease. For example, an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone hormones, which can also increase the duration of exposure to high estrogen levels, is considered one of the most important factors causing cervical cancer. This condition can arise due to obesity, progesterone-free hormone replacement therapy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).<\/p>\n<p>Other causes of uterine cancer include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being over the age of 50<\/li>\n<li>History of endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining)<\/li>\n<li>Never having been pregnant<\/li>\n<li>Early onset of menstruation or late menopause<\/li>\n<li>Family history of uterine or colon cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Being aware of these factors allows individuals to decide to undergo screening tests if they encounter related causes and enables early intervention if uterine cancer is detected. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to recover from uterine cancer.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_symptoms_of_uterine_cancer\"><\/span>What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The symptoms of uterine cancer may vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the general health of the patient. However, abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common early symptom of uterine cancer. The symptoms can be classified according to their stages as follows:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_I_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\"><\/span>Stage I Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In this early stage, the cancer is confined to the uterus. The main symptom is postmenopausal bleeding in women who have entered menopause and vaginal bleeding between periods, i.e., during the time when bleeding should not occur, in women who are approaching menopause but have not yet entered menopause. Some people may also experience mild pelvic pain.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_Stage_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\"><\/span>Second Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In this stage, the cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix but remains within these organs. Symptoms may include abnormal bleeding as in the first stage, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. An increase in vaginal discharge and discomfort in the lower abdomen may also be observed in this stage.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third_Stage_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\"><\/span>Third Stage Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix to nearby pelvic tissues or lymph nodes. Symptoms may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased pelvic pain<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty urinating or painful urination<\/li>\n<li>Painful bowel movements or changes in bowel habits<\/li>\n<li>A feeling of fullness or a mass in the pelvic area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_IV_Uterine_Cancer_Symptoms\"><\/span>Stage IV Uterine Cancer Symptoms:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>This is the final stage, and in this stage, the cancer has spread to other organs such as the bladder, rectum, lungs, or liver. Symptoms may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe pelvic pain<\/li>\n<li>Swelling in the legs<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty breathing if the lungs are affected<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss and general weakness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is very important to recognize these symptoms early and seek medical evaluation without delay for early diagnosis and proper treatment planning.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_risk_factors_for_uterine_cancer\"><\/span>What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We have mentioned that uterine cancer can develop for multiple reasons. It may not always be possible to prevent some of these causes. However, individual awareness of risk factors can be of vital importance, especially when considered together with early diagnosis and intervention.<\/p>\n<p>Below is a list of risks that may play a role in the development of uterine cancer. If you or any of your loved ones are at risk of any of these, remember to consult a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Women over the age of 50, especially those who have gone through menopause, are more likely to be affected by uterine cancer than younger women.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hormonal imbalance:<\/strong> High estrogen levels without sufficient progesterone increase the risk. This imbalance can occur in women with irregular ovulation or those undergoing hormone replacement therapy that contains only estrogen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Obesity:<\/strong> Excess body fat increases estrogen levels in the body, significantly raising the risk of endometrial cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):<\/strong> Women with PCOS often experience long-term hormonal imbalances that can affect the lining of the uterus.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diabetes:<\/strong> Type 2 diabetes carries a higher risk, partly due to its association with obesity and hormonal changes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never having been pregnant:<\/strong> Women who have never had a full-term pregnancy are at higher risk, likely due to continued unopposed estrogen exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Early menstruation or late menopause:<\/strong> Starting menstruation before age 12 or entering menopause after age 55 extends the endometrium&#8217;s exposure to estrogen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family history and genetic conditions:<\/strong> A family history of uterine cancer or certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, increases the risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tamoxifen use:<\/strong> This drug, used to treat breast cancer, may slightly increase the risk of uterine cancer due to its estrogen-like effects on the uterus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As mentioned above, if these factors are combined with obvious symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, it is advisable for the person experiencing this problem to consult a doctor without delay. Early screening and diagnosis are crucial in preventing the disease from progressing.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_uterine_cancer_be_detected_by_ultrasound\"><\/span>Can uterine cancer be detected by ultrasound?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ultrasound is the first imaging test frequently used to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding or other symptoms suggestive of uterine cancer. Although transvaginal ultrasound is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis on its own, it is a method in which a probe is inserted into the vagina to obtain a closer image and can help assess the thickness of the endometrium.<\/p>\n<p>If the thickness of the diaphragm is greater than normal, endometrial cancer is suspected, and further tests such as an endometrial biopsy are performed. Ultrasound is not a sufficient method for confirming cancer. However, if abnormal changes in the uterus are detected by ultrasound, it can guide the doctor in deciding whether further tests are needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_uterine_cancer_diagnosed\"><\/span>How is uterine cancer diagnosed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The diagnosis of uterine cancer typically involves several stages. The process begins with a detailed medical history and a pelvic examination to check for abnormalities. The patient&#8217;s medical history, symptoms, and complaints are particularly important, especially if they include unusual bleeding.<\/p>\n<p>The main diagnostic tool is an endometrial biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the lining of the uterus and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. Examining the tissue in a laboratory can also provide an indication of the cancer&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p>If the biopsy does not provide a definitive result or cannot be performed in the doctor&#8217;s office, a dilation and curettage (D&amp;C) procedure may be performed under anesthesia.<\/p>\n<p>Additional tests, such as transvaginal ultrasound or hysteroscopy (using a thin camera to view the inside of the uterus), support the diagnosis. If the cancer diagnosis is confirmed, imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to determine the stage and spread of the cancer before treatment planning.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_uterine_cancer_treated\"><\/span>How is uterine cancer treated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The treatment of uterine cancer is determined by the patient and doctor together, depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient&#8217;s general health, and the patient&#8217;s preferences.<\/p>\n<p>The main treatment options that may be recommended for uterine cancer are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Surgery:<\/strong> The most common treatment is a hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus. In most cases, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed to check for the spread of cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Radiation therapy:<\/strong> This treatment can be used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence in patients who have had surgery, or as the primary treatment for patients who cannot have surgery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hormone therapy:<\/strong> For certain types of uterine cancer that are hormone-sensitive, drugs that block or lower hormone levels may help slow the growth of the cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chemotherapy:<\/strong> Used in advanced stages or when the cancer has recurred, chemotherapy targets all cancer cells in the body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_uterine_cancer_surgery_risky\"><\/span>Is uterine cancer surgery risky?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Like any major surgery, uterine cancer surgery carries risks, but it is generally considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons in sterile hospital conditions. Potential risks during surgery include infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or intestines, and complications related to anesthesia.<\/p>\n<p>Some women may experience changes such as early menopause if the ovaries are removed. Recovery after surgery depends on the extent of the surgery, the stage of the cancer, and the individual&#8217;s overall health. However, most people recover normally and benefit significantly from the surgery, as the cancer is completely removed in its early stages.<\/p>\n<p>Talking to your surgeon about your health and the risks and benefits of the specific surgery you are considering will help you make a more informed decision about the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 11 minutes 60 seconds What is uterine cancer? Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in the pelvis of women where the baby grows during pregnancy. In this area, cells grow and multiply at an abnormal rate, forming uterine cancer. Uterine cancer [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11547,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11546"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11549,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11546\/revisions\/11549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}