Unusual vaginal bleeding or bleeding after menopause could be a sign of uterine cancer, which is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. If detected early, uterine cancer has a high cure rate.
Some symptoms include irregular vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain during urination and pelvic pain during intercourse. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with the symptoms of menopause, so it’s important to check with your doctor.
Uterine cancer risk factors and symptoms
There is no screening test to determine if you might have uterine cancer, therefore it is important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms of unusual vaginal bleeding you may have.
Some health conditions increase your risk for developing uterine cancer. These include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Using estrogen replacement during menopause that does not include progesterone or Tamoxifen may also increase your risk.
Uterine cancer treatment options
If you have symptoms of uterine cancer, your doctor may order diagnostic tests, including:
- Imaging tests – Ultrasound, MRI or CT scan may show a solid mass or tumor.
- Biopsy – The removal of tissue from the uterus can confirm if it contains cancer cells.
The gynecologic specialists at Main Line Health offer advanced treatments for uterine cancer, including:
- Chemotherapy – We have a dedicated gynecologic oncologist to oversee your chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
- Radiation – We offer traditional external beam radiation and more targeted intensify modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
- Surgery – Our specialists provide minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery options, including laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).
