The womb is a pear shaped, muscular organ that sits in the pelvis, above the vagina and is a component of the female reproductive system. If a cancer starts here it is referred to as endometrial cancer.
What can cause cancer of the womb?
There is no clearly defined or known cause for cancer of the womb. It most commonly occurs in women between 50 and 64 and is very rare in women under this age group.
Small increases in risk have been identified with women who have been through the menopause and taken oestrogen only hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There may also been a slight increase in risk for women who have taken the combined oestrogen/progesterone HRT for over five years.
Women taking Tamoxifen, a hormone used in the treatment of breast cancer, may also be at a slightly increased risk.
Symptoms of womb cancer
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina – especially in women who have passed through the menopause and stopped having periods. This irregular bleeding can be:
Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding that is unusually heavy or happens between periods Vaginal discharge – from pink and watery to dark and foul-smelling
If you experience any of the symptoms described, go to your GP as soon as possible. Similar symptoms can occur in other conditions and does not necessarily mean that you have womb cancer.
What the GP may do
If you experience any of the symptoms described go to your GP as soon as possible.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist doctor called a gynaecologist. He may then carry out a number of tests that may include one, some, or all of the following:
Tests for womb cancer Hysteroscopy - a small camera is used to examine the inside of the uterus Biopsy - a small area of the affected region is removed and sent to the labs for analysis Dilatation and curettage (D and C) - this procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, and again some samples will be taken from the womb Vaginal ultrasound - uses sound waves from a device inserted into the vagina, to build up a picture of the womb Blood tests X-rays Computerised tomography (CT) - a special type of x-ray that gives very detailed pictures Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides very detailed pictures but uses magnets instead of x-raysIs Treatment available?
Treatment is available, but will be dependant on the type and extent of your disease. There are various stages of cancer of the womb, this will be discussed and decided with you, by your oncologist.
Available treatment Surgery Radiotherapy, which can be internal and/or external. This will be explained to you by your oncologist Chemotherapy Hormone therapyConcerned about womb cancer?
If you have any concerns about womb cancer, please call our free and confidential helpline – 0800 783 3339. Alternatively, you can email one of our cancer information nurses directly on infocis@ulstercancer.org