Most cancers of the uterus start in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). The cancer can then spread to the muscle wall of the uterus and, if left untreated, to other organs like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, nearby lymph glands, and more. The cause of uterine cancer is not known but is possibly related to excessive exposure to the hormone estrogen, which occurs in women who have never been pregnant or who have taken estrogen hormone therapy.
The other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, inherited gene mutations can also increase the risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancers, in a small percentage of women. Uterine cancer most commonly affects women between 50 and 70. The main symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. Other symptoms may include vaginal discharge that can be watery and pink, thick and brown, or foul-smelling.
What Is Endometriosis?
The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, which thickens during each menstrual cycle and builds up with blood if conception does not occur. Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the endometrium grow in other parts of the pelvic cavity, such as the ovaries or less commonly on the fallopian tubes, vagina, intestines, or even scar tissues from past surgeries. Furthermore, endometriosis is common because it is linked to menstruation, which occurs during a woman’s reproductive years and is most prevalent between ages 25 and 50. This condition sometimes presents with no symptoms, although some women experience pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, especially before their periods.
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