Uterine Cancer

Question 1

There are different layers in the uterus, where does uterine cancer most commonly occur?

Answer 1

endometrium

Question 2

What are the three layers of the uterus?

Answer 2

• endometrium
• myometrium
• perimetrium

Question 3

When does uterine cancer peak in terms of age?

Answer 3

55-65 years

Question 4

What causes uterine cancer?

Answer 4

gene mutation

Question 5

What are risk factors for uterine cancer?

Answer 5

• hyperestrogenism (some forms of this cancer are estrogen dependent)
• familial history of uterine and other reproductive cancers
• obesity (adipose can store and make estrogen)
• ageing
• pelvic radiation
• DM (can increase estrogen)
• HTN (low risk)

Question 6

Is uterine cancer generally slow progressing or aggressive?

Answer 6

usually it progresses slowly, metastasizes late and because of this it has a better prognosis than breast cancer

Question 7

What type of cancer is uterine cancer usually?

Answer 7

• usually adenocarcinoma (85%)

- there is excessive estrogen > dysplasia > anaplasia of endometrium

Question 8

What are the manifestations of uterine cancer?

Answer 8

• abnormal, painless vaginal bleeding

- not many symptoms until the tumour is advanced

Question 9

How is uterine cancer treated?

Answer 9

• stage based

- surgery and other treatment (radiation)

Question 10

What is type 1 uterine cancer?

Answer 10

• estrogen dependent
• endometrial hyperplasia (non-physiologic)
• better prognosis

Question 11

What is type 2 uterine cancer?

Answer 11

• not dependent on estrogen
• associated with atrophy of endometrium (not caused)
• poor prognosis