Uterine Cancer How To Diagnose

If you come to the doctor with complaints that could sign of uterine cancer, the doctor may do several tests to diagnose. First of all, physical examination will take place. The physical examination also includes internal research.

If necessary, the doctor may decide to forward you to a gynecologist. It can carry out the following investigations.

Internal research. In an internal examination, a so-called duck bone is introduced into the vagina, after which the physician can feel in the vagina with two fingers. The doctor can also feel with one finger in the vagina and one finger in the anus. The purpose of this study is to know the size and location of the various organs in the lower abdomen.
Hysteroscopy. In this study, the doctor brings a tube into your uterus. With a camera at the end of the tube can then be looked at the inside of uterus.
Vaginal ultrasound. In vaginal ultrasound, a thin echo device is inserted into your vagina. This allows the doctor to visualize the thickness of your uterine wall and the ovaries. He can also see if there are any abnormalities in the uterine wall.
Curretage. Curretage is a study where a piece of tissue is taken from the uterus. This tissue is being investigated. For this research, you may be under anesthesia, in which case you must remain in a hospital for some time after the examination.



Uterine cancer stages

In uterine cancer, four stages are distinguished according to which the outlook is estimated and the treatment is determined:

Stage I The tumor is present only in the uterus.
Stage II The tumor is in the uterus and cervix.
Stage III The cancer is sown outside the uterus, but not beyond the pelvic area. The cancer is located at the lymph nodes in the pelvis or near the aorta.
Stage IV The cancer is sown to other organs, such as the inner part of the intestine, the bladder, the abdomen, the liver.

*Image source : National Cancer Institute

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mayo Clinic
3. American Cancer Society