The NHS has set a target of 28 days for diagnosis. Most women with womb cancer experience unusual vaginal bleeding. This can be diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound scan, but this procedure is expensive, invasive, and requires a general anaesthetic. Additionally, these scans are not accurate. As a result, new diagnostic tools are needed.
Surgery is the most common treatment for womb cancer. It is usually performed with the removal of the uterus and surrounding organs. However, the removal of the uterus may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. After this procedure, the patient may receive hormone therapy to prevent pregnancy. However, if the cancer has spread or has a poor prognosis, radiotherapy may be used. During surgery, a multidisciplinary team will evaluate the best treatment.
The type of womb cancer that you have depends on the type of cell that the cancer started in. It is classified as Grade 1, 2, or 3. The higher the grade, the less likely it is to spread. This type of cancer is typically slow-growing and has less spread. The most common form of womb cancer is type 1 – endometrioid adenocarcinomas. The cancer cells found in this type are characterized by an excess amount of oestrogen.
The most effective way to diagnose womb cancer is by assessing blood samples of women at increased risk. The tests can identify precancerous growths and spare the fertility of women at risk. These results are promising, but larger studies are needed to confirm them in the general population and among high-risk groups such as women with certain genetic conditions. Clinical trials are needed to prove that these tests are an improvement over current diagnostic procedures. The researchers believe that the test can prevent womb cancer and preserve fertility.
The risk of developing womb cancer increases as you get older. Most womb cancer cases occur in women aged forty-74, with fewer than one percent diagnosed in women younger than 40. Exposure to oestrogen – the hormone responsible for regulating the reproductive system in women – is a major factor in the risk. Unopposed oestrogen increases the risk of womb cancer, so if you have a history of this type of cancer, it is worth mentioning it.
Women with unusual bleeding may have a number of different conditions. They should visit a GP if they experience any of these symptoms. During the appointment, the GP will ask questions and perform an internal examination. If there are new symptoms, a doctor may suggest additional tests. This is not a cause for alarm, but a need for further investigation. If you suspect that you have womb cancer, see your GP as soon as possible.
In addition to abnormal vaginal bleeding, womb cancer can invade nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder. In fact, almost 90 percent of cases of womb cancer are detected early because of irregular vaginal bleeding. It is possible to feel a lump in your abdomen or pelvis without the pain of bleeding, but it is more likely to be a sign of cervical cancer. The signs of womb cancer are similar to those of cervical cancer.
