Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Screening, treatment, and procedures for uterine cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors

Screening for Uterine Cancer

• 1. Pap Smear: While Pap smears are primarily used to detect cervical cancer, they may sometimes detect uterine cancer if abnormal cells are present in the cervical canal.
• 2. Transvaginal Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and can help identify abnormalities such as uterine tumors or thickened endometrial lining.
• 3. Endometrial Biopsy: If a transvaginal ultrasound reveals an abnormal endometrial lining, an endometrial biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed and examined for cancerous cells.
• 4. Dilation and Curettage (D&C): In cases where an endometrial biopsy is inconclusive, a D&C may be performed. This involves scraping tissue from the lining of the uterus for examination.
• Irregular periods. Women suffering from PCOS have less than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods, whereas, others have heavy bleeding
• Women who have PCOS have a problem in getting pregnant (infertility)

It's essential to note that there is no routine screening test for uterine cancer like there is for some other cancers. Screening is typically recommended for women with specific risk factors, such as obesity, a family history of uterine cancer, or certain medical conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome).

Treatment of Uterine Cancer

• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for uterine cancer. The extent of surgery may vary:
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
• Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be used before or after surgery or as the primary treatment for some cases.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be used in advanced or metastatic cases.
• Hormone Therapy: Some uterine cancers are hormone-sensitive. Hormone therapy aims to block or lower the levels of estrogen in the body, which can help slow the growth of certain types of uterine cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs may be used to attack specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
• Clinical Trials: Patients with uterine cancer may have the option to participate in clinical trials testing new treatments.

Procedures for Uterine Cancer

In addition to the treatment modalities mentioned above, there are several procedures and interventions that may be part of a uterine cancer patient's care plan:

• Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's condition and check for recurrence.
• Palliative Care: To manage symptoms and improve the quality of life in advanced or terminal cases.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: In some cases, minimally invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery may be used for less invasive tumor removal.
• Staging: A procedure to determine the extent of cancer spread, such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans.
• Fertility Preservation: For younger patients who wish to preserve fertility, certain procedures may be considered before hysterectomy

It's essential for individuals diagnosed with uterine cancer to work closely with a healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific situation. Treatment decisions should take into account the cancer's stage, type, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences.