Uterine or uterus cancer usually occurs in women after menopause.

- Types of Uterine Cancer:

There are two types of uterine cancers - Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcomas.

Endometrial Cancer Common in the United States, this type of cancer affects tissues surrounding the uterus.

Uterine sarcomas It affects muscles or other tissues in the uterus.

- Symptoms:
There will be abnormal bleeding in the vagina. One could also experience pain or difficulty while urinating. Intercourse could become painful and pain could be felt in the pelvic area.

- Diagnosis:

Methods for diagnosing Uterine Cancer include:

• Pelvic exam Doctor examine of any lumps have formed in vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum or if their shape or size has changed.
• Pap test Cells are collected from cervix and upper vagina to check for any abnormal cells. Cervix cancer can be detected with the help of Pap test but this test cannot tell whether cells within the uterus are cancerous.
• Biopsy A tissue sample is taken to check for cancerous cells.

- Treatment:
Uterine cancer can be treated through Radiation Therapy and Hormonal Therapy.

Radiation Therapy: Radiations are given to kill cancerous cells.

There are two types of radiation therapy:

External radiation: In this therapy, rays are given from outside the body through a machine to destroy cancerous cells. It is only aimed at tumor and healthy cells are protected.

Internal radiation: In this therapy, cancerous cells are destroyed by inserting radioactive substance within the body through tubes. The woman has to be hospitalized during the treatment.

During internal radiation, patient is not allowed to meet others so as to protect others from exposure to radiation.

In some cases both types of radiation therapy - external and internal – are given.

Hormonal therapy - In this therapy hormones are given to destroy cancerous cells. It has a lot of side effects like increase in appetite and weight.