Uterine cancer (uterine carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma) – C54, C55

Over 40% of malignant diseases affecting female reproductive organs account for uterine cancer. Its incidence is on the increase, but 75% of cases are detected in time, so prognoses are favourable. Despite this positive aspect, over 250,000 women worldwide die each year in association with uterine cancer.

About the disease

The most common benign tumors are fibroids, and of malignant tumors they are uterine carcinomas. Most uterine cancers are caused by changes to uterine mucosa, i.e. endometrium. The stimulation of its growth, and precipitous cell multiplication and division, which may induce cancerous changes, is dependent primarily on oestrogen; thus it may be anticipated that the hormone affects the growth of carcinoma itself (i.e. hormone-dependent cancer).

Causes

Tumors develop in up to 80% of cases, based on increased levels of oestrogen and its unbalanced ratio to progestogen (gestagen) – another steroid hormone. The most common symptoms are present in older women over 60 whose oestrogen levels fluctuate, in women who started menstruating at a young age, in non-expectant mothers, women with dysfunction of ovaries, or in those with late menopause. Risk factors are smoking, diabetes, obesity, higher intake of animal fat, and also effects of external oestrogens (e.g. synthetic hormones from contraception, plant-based phytoestrogens, or chemical xenoestrogens contained in pesticides, etc.)

Signs and symptoms

The most common manifestation is abnormal bleeding of varying intensity, purulent or bloody discharge, or accumulation of pus and blood in the uterus. This accumulation and tumor decay may provoke signs of inflammation – fever and stomach ache. However, 20% of women are asymptomatic.

Preventing uterine cancer

Prevention focuses on healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise, avoiding the effects of external oestrogens, having a strong immune system, and regular gynaecological health checks even after the menopause enabling to detect any signs on time.

Impact of the immune system on uterine cancer

Even minor gynaecological problems may lead to precancerous stage of endometrium preceding uterine cancer. Prevention and any manifestations of a gynaecological disease should not be underestimated; this includes reinforcing the immune system to prevent progression of a serious disease. A weak immunity is unable to regenerate the body naturally; hence a regular boost of the immune system is essential to prevent the common diseases as well as cancer, including uterine cancer.