patient uterus cancer report

What is the patient version of uterine cancer?

Uterine Cancer—Patient Version. Overview. Uterine cancers can be of two types: endometrial cancer (common) and uterine sarcoma (rare). Endometrial cancer can often be cured. Uterine sarcoma is often more aggressive and harder to treat.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed by a pathologist?

Uterine Cancer: Diagnosis. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. A pathologist analyzes the sample (s). A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease.

What are the symptoms of recurrent uterine cancer?

Recurrent uterine cancer 1 Vaginal bleeding or discharge. 2 Pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or back of the legs. 3 Difficulty or pain when urinating. 4 Weight loss. 5 Persistent cough/shortness of breath.

What is the clinical presentation of uterine carcinosarcoma?

The clinical presentation of the uterine carcinosarcomas is nonspecific, and imaging and pathology studies play an important role in diagnosis [ 7 P. Ravishankar, D. A. Smith, S. Avril, E. Kikano, and N. H. Ramaiya, “Uterine carcinosarcoma: a primer for radiologists,” Abdominal Radiology, vol. 44, no. 8, pp. 2874–2885, 2019.

How can we identify uterus cancer?

A Pap test, often done with a pelvic examination, is primarily used to check for cervical cancer. Sometimes, a Pap test may find abnormal glandular cells, which are caused by uterine cancer. Endometrial biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope.

What is the best test for uterine cancer?

An endometrial biopsy is the most commonly used test for endometrial cancer and is very accurate in postmenopausal women. It can be done in the doctor's office. A very thin, flexible tube is put into the uterus through the cervix. Then, using suction, a small amount of endometrium is removed through the tube.

What blood test shows uterine cancer?

CA-125 test measures the amount of the CA-125 protein in the blood. High amounts of CA-125 may indicate uterine, ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, as well as less serious conditions such as endometriosis or abdominal inflammation. We often use this test in combination with other diagnostic methods.

What is Stage 1 cancer of the uterus?

Stage 1 uterine cancer: The cancer is only growing in the body of the uterus. It may also be growing into the glands of the cervix but is not growing into the supporting connective tissue of the cervix. The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

How do I read my cancer test results?

There are three possible results:Positive: Cancer cells are found at the edge of the margin. This may mean that more surgery is needed.Negative: The margins don't contain cancerous cells.Close: There are cancerous cells in the margin, but they don't extend all the way to the edge. You may need more surgery.

Who is at high risk for uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer most often occurs after age 50. The average age at diagnosis is 60. Uterine cancer is not common in people younger than 45.

What is a normal CA-125 level?

Generally speaking, the normal range of CA-125 is considered to be 0-35 units/mL, while a level above 35 units/mL is considered to be a high CA-125 level.

What level of CA-125 indicates cancer?

The range of 0 to 35 U/mL is considered within the normal guidelines. Levels over 35 U/mL may indicate the presence of cancer or other conditions. Not all patients with a high CA-125 result have cancer. For women with no ovarian cancer history, a high result usually leads to additional testing.

What is CA-125 level?

Overview. A CA 125 test measures the amount of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. This test may be used to monitor certain cancers during and after treatment. In some situations, the test may be used to look for early signs of ovarian cancer in people with a very high risk of the disease.

What is Stage 3 uterus cancer?

Stage III uterine cancer extends outside the uterus, but remains confined to the pelvis. Stage IIIA cancers invade the lining of the pelvis or fallopian tubes or cancer cells can be found free in the pelvis. Stage IIIB cancer invades the vagina. Stage IIIC cancers invade the pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes.

Is uterus cancer painful?

Uterine cancer may also cause other symptoms, such as pain or pressure in your pelvis. If you have bleeding that is not normal for you, especially if you have already gone through menopause, see a doctor right away.

Is Stage 2 uterus cancer curable?

Stage IIB cancer involves the uterus and extends into deep layers of the cervix. Stage I and II uterine cancers are curable with surgery alone for the majority of patients. Optimal treatment may require additional therapeutic approaches in selected situations.

What type of radiotherapy is used for uterine carcinosarcoma?

A biopsy confirmed uterine carcinosarcoma, and the patient underwent chemotherapy and then surgical resection of the uterine mass with palliative radiotherapy of the right elbow. The postoperative imaging showed new metastasis, and the patient was scheduled to start on immunotherapy.

What is a uterine carcinosarcoma?

Uterine carcinosarcomas are rare and extremely aggressive undifferentiated carcinomas which include both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. A 52-year-old female presented with heavy irregular menstrual bleeding for several years and new right elbow pain and swelling. Ultrasound and computed tomography showed a large uterine mass with regional and distant metastatic lymphadenopathy and suspicious findings of osseous metastasis to the right elbow. A biopsy confirmed uterine carcinosarcoma, and the patient underwent chemotherapy and then surgical resection of the uterine mass with palliative radiotherapy of the right elbow. The postoperative imaging showed new metastasis, and the patient was scheduled to start on immunotherapy. Considering the highly invasive nature of uterine carcinosarcomas, timely detection of this cancer using characteristic imaging and pathology findings is of extreme importance to improve the patient’s survival.

What organs can uterine carcinosarcoma be metastasized to?

Uterine carcinosarcoma can metastasize to a wide variety of organs, including the lungs (49%), peritoneum (44%), bones (17%), and liver (15%), as well as the central nervous system (8%) , with the latest being associated with poor prognosis [ 20. K.-C. Ho, C.-H. Lai, T.-.

What test can be done to check for uterine cancer?

If you have symptoms or believe you may be at high risk for uterine cancer, your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal ultrasound. These tests can be used to help diagnose or rule out uterine cancer. Your doctor may do this test in his or her office, or may refer you to another doctor. The doctor might perform more tests ...

Is there a way to screen for uterine cancer?

Español (Spanish) minus. Related Pages. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for uterine cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to lower your risk. There are no simple and reliable ways to test for uterine cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms.

Does a Pap test show uterine cancer?

The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms.

What test is used to diagnose uterine cancer?

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose uterine cancer: Pelvic examination. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and rectum to check for any unusual findings. A Pap test, often done with a pelvic examination , is primarily used to check for cervical cancer.

What is a biopsy for uterine cancer?

In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. This section describes options for diagnosing uterine cancer. Not all tests listed will be used for every woman.

What is the tube that the doctor inserts into the uterus?

During a hysteroscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a light on it through the cervix into the vagina and uterus. After endometrial tissue has been removed, during a biopsy or D&C, the sample is checked by a pathologist for cancer cells, endometrial hyperplasia, and other conditions.

What is a transvaginal ultrasound?

Transvaginal ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of internal organs. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina and aimed at the uterus to take pictures. If the endometrium looks too thick, the doctor may decide to perform a biopsy (see above).

Why do we need MRI for uterine cancer?

MRI is often used in women with low-grade uterine cancer (see Stages and Grades) to see how far the cancer has grown into the wall of the uterus.

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test, often done with a pelvic examination, is primarily used to check for cervical cancer. Sometimes a Pap test may find abnormal glandular cells, which are caused by uterine cancer. Endometrial biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest ...

What is CT scan used for?

A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan can be used to measure the tumor’s size. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image.

What does it mean when you are diagnosed with uterine cancer?

A diagnosis of uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer) can leave you and your loved ones feeling uncertain, anxious and overwhelmed. As your health care team talks about your diagnosis and treatment, ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been overwhelmed.

How to manage side effects of uterine cancer?

A key to managing side effects is to be aware of them and communicate with your health care team when they arise . Report them right away—don’t wait for your next appointment. Your health care team can help you cope with side effects of uterine cancer treatment. To help you get relief from side effects, your doctors and nurses need ...

What are the different types of uterine cancer?

The main types of uterine cancer are uterine sarcomas and endometrial carcinomas. What stage is my tumor? A tumor’s stage refers to its size and extent of spread in the body—e.g., whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Cancer that has spread to other organs is called metastatic cancer.

What is cancer social work?

A cancer diagnosis turns a person’s world upside down emotionally and physically. Your team of doctors, nurses and social workers are valuable sources of support as you cope with a cancer diagnosis. Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who counsel people affected by cancer, providing emotional support and helping people access ...

What is an oncology social worker?

Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who counsel people affected by cancer, providing emotional support and helping people access practical assistance. Cancer Care ’s oncology social workers provide individual counseling, support groups and locate services face-to-face, online or on the telephone, free of charge.

Can a hysterectomy affect a child's ability to have children?

A hysterectomy (generally the removal of the uterus and cervix) may be a treatment that can affect one’s ability to have children . Talk to your health care team about all of your treatment options and the long-term effects.

The Problem

Since my second vaginal radiation (brachytherapy) treatment in February, I have had a slight vaginal discharge, whitish-yellowish in color with little or no smell and light enough to require wearing just a pantyliner.

The Exam

Most search results for colposcopy turn up articles about cervical colposcopy and biopsy, but of course I no longer have a cervix. Although many of the basic concepts may still apply, the experience for the patient and the procedure for the gynecologist will be different depending on whether the woman still has her uterus and cervix.

My Thoughts

I have found that my anxiety level and concern have increased since getting the results of this recent Pap report. Back in November 2013, when I was first diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, I was completely surprised, but didn’t feel a great deal of fear.

Resources

Highlighted/underscored text, images, and media contain links to external resources for further education, empowerment, and encouragement.

What is a pathology report?

A pathology report is prepared by a pathologist (a physician with specialized training in determining the nature and cause of disease) after he or she has examined the specimen with and without a microscope , documenting its size, describing its appearance and sometimes performing special testing (Table 1).

How big is a tumor in centimeters?

Length and width of the tumor. Largest dimension of the tumor, as measured in centimeters (1 inch = approximately 2.5 centimeters) Prognosis is likely to be better for smaller tumors; size is a prImary factor in the staging of most cancers. Noninvasive vs. invasive.

What is the best grade for noninvasive cancer?

Prognosis is likely to be better for noninvasive cancer. Grade. How closely the tumor cells resemble normal cells from the same organ, such as the cervix, the ovaries or the uterus. Grade 1: well-differentiated (cancer cells look mostly similar to normal cells) Grade 2: moderately differentiated (some cancer cells look different than normal cells)

Can you get a second opinion if you have a rare cancer?

Be sure to seek a second opinion if the pathology report does not contain a definite diagnosis, if you have a rare type of cancer, or if the cancer has already metastasized (spread). A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis or may suggest an alternative diagnosis. The pathology report also includes the stage of the cancer.

What is the staging system for uterine cancer?

For uterine cancer, the staging system developed by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) is used.

Why is knowing the stage of cancer important?

Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a woman's prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancer. For uterine cancer, the staging system developed by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) is used.

What is a high grade tumor?

If the cancerous tissue looks very different from healthy tissue, it is called "poorly differentiated" or a "high-grade tumor.". The cancer’s grade may help the doctor predict how quickly the cancer will spread. In general, the slower the spread, the better the prognosis. The letter "G" is used to define a grade for uterine cancer.

What is cancerous tissue called?

If the cancerous tissue looks very different from healthy tissue, it is called "poorly differentiated" or a "high-grade tumor.".

Can uterine cancer come back?

Uterine cancer may come back in the uterus, pelvis, lymph nodes of the abdomen, or another part of the body. If there is a recurrence, this tends to occur within 3 years of the original diagnosis, but later recurrences can sometimes occur as well.