Introduction
Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the United States, with over 65,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Say’s Dr Scott Kamelle, it is also the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women.
However, uterine cancer is highly curable when detected early. That is why early detection is so important.
Early detection
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after menopause. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, pressure, or fullness; difficulty urinating; and unusual discharge from the vagina.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. If they suspect uterine cancer, they may order additional tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound or endometrial biopsy.
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed and examined for cancer cells.
Innovative therapies
There have been a number of advances in uterine cancer treatment in recent years. New surgical techniques, chemotherapy drugs, and targeted therapies are helping to improve survival rates and quality of life for women with this disease.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for uterine cancer. The type of surgery performed will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
In most cases, surgery will involve removing the uterus and cervix. If the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, these organs may also be removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that kills cancer cells or prevents them from growing and dividing. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
New chemotherapy drugs have been developed that are more effective and less toxic than older drugs. These new drugs have helped to improve survival rates and quality of life for women with uterine cancer.
Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in cancer growth and survival. Targeted therapies are often less toxic than traditional chemotherapy drugs, and they can be more effective in treating certain types of cancer.
A number of targeted therapies are now available to treat uterine cancer. One example is pembrolizumab (Keytruda), which is an immunotherapy drug that targets a protein called PD-1. PD-1 is a protein that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. Pembrolizumab has been shown to be effective in treating uterine cancer in women whose tumors have a certain genetic mutation.
Personalized medicine
Personalized medicine is an approach to cancer treatment that takes into account the individual characteristics of each patient’s tumor. One way to personalize uterine cancer treatment is to use genetic testing to identify mutations in the patient’s tumor. This information can then be used to select targeted therapies that are most likely to be effective.
Conclusion
There has been significant progress in uterine cancer treatment in recent years. New surgical techniques, chemotherapy drugs, and targeted therapies are helping to improve survival rates and quality of life for women with this disease.
Personalized medicine is also playing an increasingly important role in uterine cancer treatment. By taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient’s tumor, doctors can select the most effective treatments for each patient.
If you are diagnosed with uterine cancer, talk to your doctor about the latest treatment options available. There is hope, and there are people who can help you through this difficult time.