Prof. Dr Rehana Aamer Khan is best Doctor for treatment of uterine cancer patients in Lahore Pakistan. Prof. Dr Rehana treating uterine cancer patients from last fifteen years. Prof. Dr Rehana is pioneer of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery in Pakistan. With the help of Minimal Invasive surgical technique (Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery) surgeon can access those part of organs which is not possible to access with naked eyes and human hands. Through Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery you can magnify the body organs for better view and can remove the small effected parts of the body.
What is uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs.
Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma.
Uterine sarcoma originates within the myometrium, which is the muscular wall of the uterus. Uterine sarcomas are extremely uncommon occurrences.
Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus surgically often cures endometrial cancer.
Symptoms of Uterine cancer
Prominent indications of uterine cancer may encompass:
- Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Uncharacteristically heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Vaginal bleeding occurring between periods.
- Alterations in vaginal discharge.
- The presence of a lump or swelling in the abdominal region or between the hip bones (pelvis).
- Lower back pain or pelvic pain.
- Discomfort experienced during sexual intercourse.
- Blood in the urine.
Diagnosis of Uterine cancer
The diagnostic process for endometrial cancer involves various tests and procedures:
Pelvic examination: Your doctor examines your pelvic region by inspecting the outer genital area (vulva) and conducting a manual examination of the uterus and ovaries. They may also use a speculum to visualize the vagina and cervix for any abnormalities.
Transvaginal ultrasound: This imaging technique employs sound waves to create a detailed picture of the uterus. By inserting a wand-like transducer into the vagina, your doctor can assess the thickness and texture of the endometrium and rule out other conditions.
Hysteroscopy: A thin, flexible, illuminated tube called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to visually examine its interior and the endometrium.
Endometrial biopsy: This procedure involves obtaining a sample of tissue from the uterine lining for laboratory analysis. Usually performed in a doctor`s office, the biopsy is typically done without anesthesia.
Dilation and curettage (D&C): If an insufficient tissue sample is obtained during a biopsy or if the results are inconclusive, a D&C may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves scraping the uterine lining to collect tissue for microscopic examination, aiding in the detection of cancer cells.
Upon confirmation of endometrial cancer, you will likely be referred to a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist who focuses on the treatment of cancers involving the female reproductive system.
Staging of Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is staged to determine its extent, following the diagnosis. To determine the stage of your cancer, your doctor may employ various tests including chest X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and blood tests. The final stage classification is often determined after surgical intervention for cancer treatment.
By assessing the information obtained from these tests and procedures, your doctor assigns a stage to your cancer. The stages of endometrial cancer are designated using Roman numerals ranging from I to IV. Stage I indicates that the cancer is confined to the uterus without significant growth beyond it. As the stages progress to stage IV, the cancer extends to adjacent organs, such as the bladder, or spreads to distant parts of the body.
Treatment for Uterine Cancer (Endometrial cancer)
Treatment options for endometrial cancer typically involve the following approaches:
Surgery:
The primary treatment for endometrial cancer is often surgery, which involves the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), fallopian tubes, and ovaries (salpingo-oophorectomy). This procedure may also include the examination of nearby areas to check for cancer spread, and the removal of lymph nodes for further testing to determine the cancer`s stage.
Prof. Dr Rehana Aamer khan is doing this surgery from last fifteen years and treated hundreds of patients. In most cases uterine cancer is diagnosed at early stage and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy or Robotic hysterectomy is perfect solution for uterine cancer.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or administered prior to surgery to shrink the tumor for easier removal. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally using a machine or internally through brachytherapy, where radiation sources are placed inside the vagina temporarily.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and may consist of a single drug or a combination of drugs. Chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to minimize the chances of cancer recurrence or used before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Hormone therapy:
Hormone therapy aims to lower hormone levels in the body, which can cause hormone-dependent cancer cells to die. It may be considered for advanced endometrial cancer that has spread beyond the uterus.
Targeted drug therapy:
Targeted therapies focus on specific vulnerabilities within cancer cells, blocking their growth and causing cell death. This approach is often combined with chemotherapy for advanced endometrial cancer.
Supportive (palliative) care:
Palliative care provides specialized medical support to alleviate pain and manage symptoms associated with a serious illness. It is integrated with other treatments and aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer and their families. Palliative care can be utilized alongside curative treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and specialists collaborates to provide palliative care and address the unique needs of patients with cancer. This approach can enhance overall well-being and potentially extend life expectancy when combined with appropriate treatments.