When a woman develops womb cancer, she may be wondering what her treatment options are. The good news is that there are several treatment options available. In the case of stage 1 cervical cancer, the tumor is contained in the muscle wall of the womb. This type of cancer is treatable in most women and a 95 percent cure rate is achieved. On the other hand, if the cancer is found in stage 2 cervical cancer, the tumor has spread to the neck of the womb and tissues around it. Only about 40 percent of women diagnosed at this stage survive five years or longer.
Treatment for stage two or three womb cancer can be difficult. Fortunately, it is possible to cure womb cancer, even in early stages, through surgery. Hysterectomy removes the entire womb and ovaries and can sometimes remove the diseased Fallopian tubes. Other treatments may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In addition to surgery, hormonal therapy may also be used to help a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Various diagnostic tests are available. Ultrasound scans, for example, use sound waves to build a picture of the womb. This test is useful for determining whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. The ultrasound probe may be placed in the vagina or may go over the abdomen. Upon the results of the scan, a gynecologist may give her a stage and a grade for the tumour. Stage means that there is no spread of the cancer outside the womb.
Age is an important factor in womb cancer. In Northern Ireland, 100% of women diagnosed with the condition were aged 30 or older. As women age, the cancer rate decreases. Despite its low incidence, womb cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all women’s cancers. The information provided here is adapted from the NHS website. A woman’s age is a factor in determining the risk of developing the disease, so it is vital to monitor her age.
A simple low-cost blood test that detects precancerous womb cells and early detection may help women avoid invasive and costly procedures while sparing their fertility. However, further research is needed before this test can be used on a mass scale. While the results of this test have been promising, further research is needed to verify its usefulness in the general population and for women in high-risk groups such as those with diabetes and obesity.
A woman’s womb is a pear-shaped muscular organ that holds the baby during pregnancy. Most types of womb cancer begin in the lining of the womb, known as the endometrium. This layer of tissue sheds during the menstrual cycle. A woman’s womb is protected by a pelvic floor muscle that supports it. However, cancer can develop in any part of the body, so the woman’s age is not the only determining factor.
