What is the uterus?
The uterus, also know as the womb, is the space a baby grows in during pregnancy.
Symptoms of uterus cancer (womb cancer)
The symptoms of cancer of the uterus are:
Changes to your usual monthly bleeding
Bleeding between periods
Post-menopausal bleeding
Bleeding during sex
Change to your usual discharge
A lump in your abdomen or pelvis
Pain during sex
Blood in your urine
Pain in your lower back or pelvis
It is important to note that having these symptoms does not mean you have womb cancer as they are also symptoms of other conditions. It is best to get check out by a professional to rule out cancer and to treat the cause of your symptoms.
Causes of uterus cancer
You have an increased risk of getting cancer of the uterus if you have high levels of oestrogen. You can have higher levels of oestrogen if you take HRT, have never had a baby, have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), went through menopause late, and are overweight.
You may also be at more risk if:
You have people in your family with womb cancer, ovarian cancer and bowel cancer
If you have diabetes
If you have a faulty gene such as BRCA
If you have had radiotherapy
If you have been treated for breast cancer
Diagnosing uterus cancer
You may have the following tests and scans:
Blood test to look at your cell count
Ultrasound scan to take a look at the condition of your womb
A biopsy of the endometrial lining of the uterus, usually by a hysteroscopy
Treatment
If you have been told you have womb cancer, you may require further tests such as an MRI or CT scan to determine the grading and stage of the cancer. Your treatment plan will depend on the size of your cancer.
You may have a hysterectomy to remove your uterus and cervix, and also have surrounding organs such ovaries and fallopian tubes removed if the cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
If you have cancer you will be put under the care of an Oncologist team. Chemotherapy uses medicine to destroy cancer cells and radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy the cells.
Visit Cancer Research UK for more information
How do I book a consultation?
You can book a consultation with Evi Bakali via her secretary or direct with Spire Healthcare.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees and for private medical insurance information.