Uterine Cancer Treatment in Northern New Jersey
Cancers found in the uterus can be identified as uterine sarcoma, which is very rare, or endometrial cancer, which is more prevalent. Many people refer to endometrial cancer as uterine cancer because it is related to the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus.
At Bergen Medical Associates, patients can get regular cancer screenings in our gynecology department. Screenings help to identify the presence of uterine cancer and any need for uterine cancer treatment. We recommend that all women take advantage of regular checkups and examinations to promote their reproductive health. We serve patients in northern New Jersey at several convenient office locations.
What Is Uterine Cancer?
The uterus is where the fetus develops and grows during pregnancy. When cells mutate and grow abnormally in the body, usually spreading at fast rates, they are called cancer. This can affect normal functions within the body. Uterine cancer is when cancer cells grow and spread within the uterus, usually starting in the endometrium. This is the uterine lining that is shed during the menstrual cycle.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
It is important to notice any changes in the menstrual cycle, as well as the presence of pain. Regular examinations with an experienced gynecology practitioner help make sure that all necessary screening tests are completed and that any necessary uterine cancer treatments can be scheduled.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of uterine cancer:
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Spotting or vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Feeling a mass in the abdomen
- Cramping in the pelvic area
- Difficulty with urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Non-bloody vaginal discharge post menopause
- Heavy, extended menstruation, especially after 40 years old
- Unexpected weight loss
Not all women experience symptoms of endometrial or other uterine cancers until later stages of the disease. That’s why the board-certified physicians, nurses, and other qualified medical practitioners at Bergen Medical Associates encourage regular checkups with our gynecology practitioners. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor.
What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer?
There are several risk factors for developing uterine cancer:
- Aging and reaching menopause
- Menstruating at an early age
- Starting menopause at a later age
- Not getting pregnant
- Previous breast cancer or pelvic cancer treatments
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Family history of endometrial cancer in mother, sister, or daughter
- Ovarian diseases
How Is Uterine Cancer Diagnosed at Bergen Medical Associates?
During appointments at Bergen Medical Associates, practitioners in our gynecology department provide a thorough physical and pelvic examination and perform recommended screening tests, such as a pap smear, to check for signs of cervical cancer. Our practitioners will monitor any symptoms and recommend a referral if further imaging or biopsy tests are required, which may include:
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Dilatation and curettage
- Hysteroscopy
What Are Recommended Uterine Cancer Treatment Options?
As with most cancers, treatment options vary by the stage of the disease. Staging describes the process of determining whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, as well as how the cells may have affected bodily functioning. Here are the main uterine cancer treatment options available:
- Surgery, usually including hysterectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy, directed at cancer cells
The physicians and other medical specialists at Bergen Medical Associates continue to see our patients who experience care in a hospital, such as hysterectomy. Our hospital care practitioners visit Bergen Medical Associates’ patients while they are in the hospital, assuring continuity of care and keeping our electronic medical record system up to date. After uterine cancer treatments, our gynecology practitioners will continue to care for patients, monitoring for symptoms and assisting in their recovery.
Make an Appointment With Our Gynecology Specialists
Bergen Medical Associates offers gynecology services and other medical specialties to patients in northern New Jersey. For more information about uterine cancer treatments or other health concerns, contact us today to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
