How Can I Tell If I Have Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer, or cancer of the uterus, is the fourth most common cancer among U.S. women. It exists in three main forms: endometrial cancer, or cancer of the inner lining of the uterus; uterine sarcoma, or cancer of the uterine muscle wall and supporting tissue; and cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix in the lower uterus. Methods of detecting uterine cancer vary according to the type of cancer.

Detecting Endometrial Cancer

• Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. In its early stages it is typically not found during cancer screening, and detection depends on alert personal observation. The most prominent sign of potential problems is unusual vaginal bleeding. If you have yet to undergo menopause and experience bleeding between periods, or if you experience bleeding after undergoing menopause, tell your doctor as soon as possible. You may also experience non-bloody vaginal discharge, and should report this as well. If you have a more advanced form of undiagnosed endometrial cancer, your symptoms may also include pelvic pain, weight loss or the presence of an obvious pelvic mass.

Detecting Uterine Sarcoma

• Uterine sarcoma is also not easily detected through cancer screening, and catching it early depends on your awareness. Look for the same abnormal vaginal bleeding, non-bloody discharge, pelvic pain or pelvic mass present in cases of potential endometrial cancer. Your doctor will determine which particular form of cancer, or other medical problem, is causing your symptoms.

Detecting Cervical Cancer

• Cervical cancer is the most easily detectable form of uterine cancer. Your first line of defense is regular screening through the administration of a Pap test. Pap tests can detect pre-cancerous changes in the cervix called dysplasia, and if you are diagnosed at this stage your condition is typically 100 percent treatable.

  The American Cancer Society recommends initial Pap testing a maximum of three years after the start of vaginal intercourse, or by the age of 21 if you are sexually inactive. Regular testing should then be done every year, or every two years if your doctor uses modern liquid-based testing. If you are between the ages of 30 and 70, and have had normal Pap results for three consecutive tests, you may decrease testing to every three years. If you are 70 or older and have had no abnormal test results for a 10-year period, you may elect to stop cervical testing. Be aware that certain factors will require you to continue yearly testing regardless of your age or previous results. These include HIV infection; exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES); previous history of cervical cancer; or weakened immune response due to chemotherapy, organ transplant or chronic steroid use.

  If you have not had adequate screening, you may develop symptoms of active cervical cancer. In its early stages, these may include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, as well as periods that are longer or heavier than normal. If your cancer advances, your symptoms may include pain in your pelvis, back or legs; fatigue; weight loss; bone fractures; or leaking of urine or feces from the vagina. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.