The uterus, also known as the womb or uterus, is the organ where the fetus implants during pregnancy and is located between the bladder and rectum. The shape of the uterus can be compared to an inverted pear, and it is a female organ that performs reproductive functions, with the cervix and fallopian tubes extending on both sides to the ovaries. The structure of the uterus consists of three parts: the uterine body, the cervix, and the uterine passage. The uterine region is known to be the organ where the most gynecological diseases occur in women.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Cancer diseases are increasing due to various reasons and life events today. However, with the increasing technological developments and their reflections in medical science, the treatment rates for cancer diseases have also increased. The uterus is the area where the fetus completes its development. Medically, it is referred to as the uterus. It can be said to be approximately 7.5 cm in size and 3 cm in thickness. The inner surface of the uterus is covered with cells called the endometrium, which thickens regularly over time and sheds during menstruation. Moving outward, the first layer is the muscular layer (myometrium), followed by the perimetrium, the outer layer surrounding the uterus.

Uterine cancer occurs when the cells in the endometrial layer begin to grow uncontrollably. Abnormally growing cells eventually form a mass or tumor. This is because the endometrial layer is a sensitive tissue that responds to hormones found in the ovaries or taken externally. If hormonal imbalances are not diagnosed and treated, cellular changes over time may result in the development of cancer in the uterine lining, leading to a difficult period for the patient.

Uterine cancer is divided into stages based on the extent of tumor spread. In Stage 1, the tumor is localized within the uterus and has not spread. In Stage 2, the tumor has advanced to the supportive connective tissues of the cervix but has not reached the lymph nodes. In Stage 3, the tumor has spread beyond the uterus to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, with spread to the lymph nodes as well. In Stage 4, the tumor has spread beyond the uterine area to distant organs such as the intestines, bladder, bones, and lungs, resulting in metastasis.

Uterine cancer manifests with certain symptoms. Since it typically occurs after menopause, early diagnosis is very important and highly possible for uterine cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that patients who experience the following symptoms consult a specialist:

These symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge without blood, bleeding between periods in menstruating women, postmenopausal bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and weight loss. While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate uterine cancer, if they are observed, it is essential to consult a specialist.

Uterine cancer is typically treated through surgical intervention, which is the most commonly used treatment method. During surgery, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed; lymph nodes may also be cleaned, and samples from surrounding tissues are taken. If the surgical treatment is deemed insufficient or incomplete, additional treatments may be applied.

Another treatment method often used alongside other therapies is chemotherapy. If uterine cancer is found to be in an advanced stage or has spread to other organs after surgery, chemotherapy may be applied to kill cancerous cells.

Another medical intervention is radiotherapy. If there is a risk of the cancer recurring after the surgical procedure, radiation therapy is administered following a complete removal of the uterus. Another treatment method is hormone therapy, which is widely used and commonly preferred. If cancer has spread, high doses of progesterone hormone may be given to reduce the spread and stop the tumor from growing. Various treatment methods are used to try and treat uterine cancer.

What is a Fibroid?

Fibroids, which can appear in one in four women during a certain period of their lives, are among the most common issues seen in women. These are benign growths originating from the uterine tissue that extend outside the shape of the uterus. Fibroids, known as structures containing smooth muscle connective tissue, are non-cancerous (benign) masses. The size of fibroids can vary from the size of a pinhead to that of a watermelon, and they typically grow very slowly. However, they can be painful and cause discomfort. Fibroids may differ depending on their location within the uterus, growing into the uterine lining or within the uterine muscle tissue.

Fibroids are most commonly found between the ages of 30 and 40, and in women who do not undergo hormone therapy, they may shrink after menopause. The likelihood of fibroids appearing before puberty is very low.

The exact cause and how fibroids form is still not fully understood. They can lead to pregnancy losses and reproductive disorders. Factors such as age, ethnicity, not having given birth, and obesity can increase the risk of developing fibroids. Pathological examinations of the uterus show that 77% of women have one or more fibroids, and 60% of women of reproductive age experience some problems related to fibroids. Fibroids can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term, as they may push the fallopian tubes and interfere with the passage of sperm and eggs, or alter the endometrial structure, preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

Fibroid Symptoms

The majority of fibroids do not show symptoms and may not cause any issues. The most commonly observed symptom is irregular bleeding. Additionally, as seen in pregnancy, there may be pain and pressure in the lower abdomen, which can be mistaken for pregnancy. This can reduce the bladder capacity, causing the need to urinate frequently.

In women with fibroids, iron deficiency anemia may occur due to irregular bleeding. Therefore, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath may also arise as a result of the fibroids.

Other symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation and digestive issues, back pain or leg pain, infertility, and miscarriages.

In general, fibroids can cause excessive bleeding, prolonged or more frequent periods, menstrual cramps, vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation, anemia (due to blood loss), abdominal or back pain (which can be dull, intense, and painful but may also be sharp), pain during intercourse, difficulty urinating or frequent urination, constipation, or pain while passing stools.

Having these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have fibroids, but if you experience them, it is advised to consult a specialist without delay for a thorough examination and control.

For more detailed questions and support regarding uterine diseases, please feel free to contact our clinic.