10 Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Medically referred to as endometrial cancer, uterine cancer begins in the uterus of women. Cancerous cells develop in this hollow, pear-shaped reproductive organ, which is located in a woman’s pelvis where fetal development occurs. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and uterine cancer begins forming in this layer of cells. Other types of uterine cancer arise from different tissues in the uterus, and these include uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer, both of which are more common than uterine cancer. Because of the nature of the symptoms, uterine cancer is typically detected in the early stages. Early detection is the best way to have a full recovery. Treatment of uterine cancer most often includes surgical removal of the uterus, which will cure a woman of the cancerous tumors in that area. Be cautious of the following ten symptoms of uterine cancer.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

The majority of uterine cancer patients experience some form of abnormal vaginal bleeding, and this is a common sign of uterine cancer. If you have undergone menopause, then any sight of blood from the vagina is considered abnormal. Even if it is spotting, you should visit your gynecologist or family doctor immediately. For women who are still experiencing monthly menstruation, noticing the difference between regular and irregular patterns can be more difficult. Bleeding in between periods or during intercourse should be evaluated. Additionally, heavy bleeding or prolonged periods can also be a symptom of abnormal vaginal bleeding associated with uterine cancer, which is why it is crucial to track your cycle as best as possible.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Women’s bodies change throughout their life, especially due to childbirth and aging. However, if you suddenly find your clothes fitting a little looser, then you should monitor your symptoms. Losing 10 or more pounds without switching up your diet or exercise routine is not necessarily a good thing. Your body may be trying to fight off cancerous cells. On the other hand, if you are overweight, losing a few pounds will actually lower your risk of cancer. However, be mindful if you unintentionally lose weight, as you may be in a more advanced stage of uterine cancer. Consult with your physician right away to examine, diagnose, and treat any illnesses.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Dark, smelly, watery, or bloody vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection. This also poses the possibility for cervical, endometrial, and other uterine cancers. Additionally, it can also be a symptom of non-cancerous ailments of the female body, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Nevertheless, it is crucial to discuss your condition with your doctor. Blood-tinged discharge or any watery substance with a foul odor is abnormal, especially if you have already started menopause.

Constant Fatigue

Everyone gets tired a time or two throughout the day, right? Although a busy week can be exhausting, you should not feel overly fatigued for no apparent reason. If you get enough rest at night and even have time to relax during the day, tiredness should fade away. Constant fatigue may start to interfere with work and leisure time alike; at this point, you must stop blaming your fatigue on a hectic schedule and visit your family doctor. Simple blood tests and other imaging scans can reveal tumors, growths, and other signs of cancer, including uterine cancer.

A Swollen Leg

This particular symptom of uterine cancer is somewhat random compared to the others, but it is just as important. Does one of your legs look swollen? Maybe it feels heavier than the other for no apparent reason. If you did not suffer from a sports injury or another related incident, you should consult with your doctor. A swollen leg on its own is not necessarily a sign of cervical cancer, but if it is associated with other symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, then do not hesitate to get examined by a medical professional.

Loss of Appetite

Although your unexpected weight loss may be due to a loss of appetite, patients with uterine cancer often deal with feeling full all the time. If you never feel hungry anymore, especially like you used to just a few weeks or months ago, then your body may be experiencing the growth of cancerous cells. Appetite changes are a sign of ovarian cancer. To be correctly diagnosed with uterine cancer, you must visit your gynecologist immediately. He or she will be able to discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

Due to the location of the cancerous cells, patients have pain in the abdominal or pelvic area. The range of discomfort varies depending on the time; it also depends on your diet. Gas and cramps can similarly lead to pain in this region, but abdominal pain is also a symptom of ovarian cancer. An ongoing pain that resembles pressure in the pelvic area is related to endometrial cancer. Pain during intercourse is also a sign of a more serious condition. If you are having constant issues with your pelvis or abdomen, you should visit your doctor right away. It may be a sign of advanced uterine cancer.

A Bloated Belly

Along with the other digestion problems, bloating seems to be a common symptom of uterine cancer. Most women have felt bloated in their lifetime, but this does not mean they have cancer. In fact, it is typical to feel full and have abdominal cramping and discomfort after eating or drinking a lot, especially for females on their period. However, if the pressure in your stomach does not let up for over two weeks or by the time your menstrual cycle ends, you might be exhibiting a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Frequent Urination

Having to use the bathroom frequently can be a sign of pregnancy, but if you are not currently pregnant or are menopausal, then you can rule this condition out altogether. Are you drinking more liquids for some reason? If the answer is no, then you should visit your family doctor to get a medical opinion. If your new bathroom routine is associated with bloating and/or pelvic pain, do not hesitate to consult with your gynecologist.

Persistent Indigestion

Often related to bloating, gas, and cramps are heartburn and nausea. Although the body can trigger these uncomfortable feelings for various reasons, uterine cancer patients sometimes experience them as well. If you feel queasy more than usual, especially for two weeks or longer, visit your physician. Depending on your other symptoms, he or she may refer you to your gynecologist for further testing. It is better to discover signs of cancer early than wait until they are at a more advanced stage.