Treat Your Uterine Cancer in the Stockton Region with Our Experts
In the US, uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. It is a malignant tumor located in a woman’s uterus. Uterine sarcoma is a less common type of uterine cancer that develops in the muscular part of the uterus and is more difficult to cure than endometrial cancer.
For complete care with the diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer in Stockton and the surrounding areas, consult with the experienced oncologists at St. Joseph's Cancer Institute. Use our online Find a Doctor to get started.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, and it occurs in about 90 percent of women when they’re diagnosed. This may include changes in your menstrual periods, spotting between periods, and bleeding after menopause.
Other common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Painful sex
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Difficulty urinating or pain with urination
As these symptoms can be caused by another noncancerous condition, you should see your gynecologist at Dignity Health as soon as possible to confirm a diagnosis.
Uterine Cancer Causes
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes cancer, but there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. Hormone balance is one risk factor; for example, women who take or have taken estrogen without progesterone have a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Other known risk factors include:
- Age 50 and older
- Caucasian race
- Obesity
- Early menstruation (younger than 12) or late menopause (older than 55)
- Family history of endometrial (uterine) or colorectal cancer
- Personal history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
- Personal history of endometrial hyperplasia, diabetes, or pelvic radiation therapy
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
- Tamoxifen use (for breast cancer)
- Diet high in animal fat
Trusted Uterine Cancer Treatment at Dignity Health
If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, your treatment options will depend on the stage of your cancer. Surgery to remove the cancer and the reproductive organs is the main treatment for most stages. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used after surgery, as well as hormone therapy or biologic therapy in the later stages. Your doctor and nurse navigator will explain each treatment, so you will know exactly how to prepare.
Prevention strategies for uterine cancer may involve reducing any risk factors that you can control like eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and treating any other medical conditions. Pregnancy, birth control use, and IUD (intrauterine device) use may also lower your risk.
At our six state-of-the-art hospitals, St. Joseph's Cancer Institute offers advanced care and treatment for patients with uterine cancer in Stockton and surrounding areas.