It is necessary to know the first symptoms of uterine cancer, as this can help in treating the problem effectively, and that is why we will present to you the most important of these symptoms in the following article.
Although there are two types of uterine cancer, both cause unusual vaginal bleeding. Below we will talk in detail about the first symptoms of uterine cancer according to its types, in addition to some details related to it:
The first symptoms of uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is divided into two main types. However, abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most important early symptoms of uterine cancer for both types. Signs of this bleeding include:
Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.
Heavy or prolonged bleeding during menstruation
- Vaginal discharge that is watery or mixed with blood.
Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Early symptoms of uterine cancer depend on the type of cancer
There are other initial symptoms and signs that accompany unusual vaginal bleeding, which may vary depending on the type of cancer affecting the uterine tissue.
In general, the first symptoms of uterine cancer, depending on the type of cancer, include:
- Early symptoms of endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues lining the uterine cavity and can affect women of childbearing age or postmenopausal women.
Besides unusual vaginal bleeding, this type of cancer can cause a wide range of early symptoms, including:
Pain when urinating or difficulty urinating.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge without blood.
Feeling a lump or pain in the pelvic area.
Feeling pain during sex.
Unexplained weight loss is known.
- Early symptoms of uterine cancer
Uterine sarcoma is one of the less common types of uterine cancer that affects the muscle tissue of the uterus, causing a variety of symptoms. Its main symptoms and signs are:
The presence of a mass in the vagina.
stomachache.
I always feel full.
frequent urination.
Other symptoms of uterine cancer
Early symptoms of uterine cancer may differ from the symptoms and signs that appear in the later stages of the disease. The following is a list of the most important symptoms of uterine cancer that occur in the advanced and worsening stages of the disease:
Pain in the pelvis, lower back, or legs.
Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area.
General feeling of fatigue.
nausea.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Diagnosis of uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is usually diagnosed by:
- Initial examinations and procedures
To check for uterine cancer, some of the following tests or procedures may be done:
Internal physical examination of the patient.
Internal ultrasound examination.
Papanicolaou smear.
Examination using hysteroscopic technique.
Performing a biopsy of uterine tissue.
- Tests and other procedures
Once the infection is verified, the patient may undergo additional tests to determine the type and stage of cancer. These tests may include some of the following:
Laboratory blood tests.
Imaging tests, such as: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.
When should you consult a doctor?
As we mentioned previously, the most important early symptom of uterine cancer is vaginal bleeding, as this symptom helps in detecting the disease at an early stage and thus helps in treating the problem effectively.
Therefore, you should consult a doctor if you notice any changes in the nature of your menstrual cycle or if you notice bleeding after menopause.
It should be noted that vaginal bleeding may not be a sign of cancer, as many health conditions related to the female reproductive system can cause unusual and serious vaginal bleeding, such as:
Endometriosis or uterine lining.
Uterine fibroids.
Uterine polyps.
Endometrial hyperplasia.
