Uterine Cancer- Diagnosis
Contents:
Because cancer of the endometrium grows inside the uterus, it does
not usually show up on a Pap
smear. For this reason, if a woman has symptoms, the doctor may do
other tests, such as a 'Pipelle'
sampling, hysteroscopy
and/or dilation
and curettage (D&C) to check the inside of the uterus. While a
'Pipelle' sampling can often be done in a doctor's surgery, such
procedures as a hysteroscopy or D&C generally require admission to a
hospital and anaesthesia.
A sample of the lining of the uterus is taken and sent to a pathologist
for examination to check for the presence of any cancer cells.
The outcomes for treatment of endometrial cancer are dependent on the
stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and treatment.
 | Stage I |
Cancer is limited to the main part, or body, of the uterus (it is not
found in the cervix)
| Stage II |
Cancer cells have spread to the cervix
| Stage III |
Cancer cells have spread outside the uterus but not outside the pelvis
| Stage IV |
Cancer cells have spread outside the uterus to other parts of the
body, or into the lining of the bladder
or rectum.
| Recurrent |
Recurrent disease means the cancer has come back (recurred) after it
has been treated. It may recur in the endometrium (womb) or elsewhere in
the body.
|
