Uterine cancer is a term that describes the cancers of the womb or uterus of a woman.

Uterine cancers are primarily of two types:

1. Endometrial cancer: This type of cancer develops in the inner lining of the uterus known as the endometrium. It is one of the most common types of cancer that affects the reproductive system of a woman.
2. Uterine sarcoma: This type of uterine cancer develops in the myometrium, which is the muscular wall of the uterus. These types of cancers occur very rarely.

The endometrial type of uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting a woman’s reproductive system. It is commonly seen in women after menopause. Approximately 3% of women are diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives.

The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown. Uterine cancer normally occurs due to the changes (mutations) in the cells present in the uterus. These mutated cells tend to grow and multiply rapidly forming a mass known as a tumor. The cancer cells can start invading the nearby tissues and spread to the other parts of the body (metastasize).

Certain factors increase the chances of developing uterine cancer and may include:

• Age over 50 years
• Obesity
• Family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome (a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing certain cancers)
• Diabetes
• Ovarian diseases like ovarian tumors (ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system, one on either side of the uterus responsible for the production of the female eggs)
• Early menstruation (before the age of 12)
• Late menopause (after the age of 50)
• Long span of menstruation
• Absence of a pregnancy
• History of radiation therapy (treatment for cancer)
• Estrogen replacement therapy (a form of treatment to treat the symptoms of menopause)
• Using tamoxifen drug (a drug used for the treatment of breast cancer)

The symptoms of uterine cancer are:

• Vaginal bleeding between two menstrual periods
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding in women after menopause
• Cramps in the pelvis region (just below the stomach)
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Vaginal discharge in women after menopause
• Heavy, long, or frequent bleeding in women above 40 years of age

Uterine cancer can be diagnosed by:

1. Physical examination: The doctor first examines the patient physically and asks about the patient’s symptoms. The patient’s medical history and family history are also noted.
2. Pelvic examination: This is a common type of physical exam done by the doctor by inserting one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into a woman’s vagina to check for the signs of any disorders that may be present in the female reproductive organs.
3. CA-125 assay: This is a type of blood test done to measure the levels of a protein known as CA-125. An increase in its level may indicate the presence of cancer.
4. CT scans: This is an imaging test done to obtain clear images of the internal organs of the body.
5. MRI scans: This is an imaging test that uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to obtain clear images of the internal organs of the body.
6. Transvaginal ultrasound: A special probe is inserted into the vagina to get clear pictures of the uterus on this type of imaging test.
7. Endometrial biopsy: A flexible, thin tube is inserted through the cervix, which is the opening of the vagina, and into the uterus. The doctor will remove a small sample of the endometrium and send it to the laboratory to check for the presence of cancer cells.
8. Hysteroscopy: A long, thin, lighted tube with a camera on one end, known as a hysteroscope, is inserted through the cervix and vagina to the uterus to obtain detailed images of the uterus.
9. Dilation and curettage (D & C): This procedure involves the scrapping of the tissue from the uterine lining and sent to the laboratory to check under the microscope for the presence of any cancer cells.

The different types of treatment options for uterine cancer may include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is usually the preferred treatment for uterine cancer. The doctor will most likely do a hysterectomy, that is, the removal of the uterus and the cervix. 
The different types of hysterectomy procedures may include:
Total abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen to remove the uterus.
Vaginal hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through the vagina by the surgeon.
Radical hysterectomy: In case of uterine cancer that has spread to the cervix, the surgeon will remove the uterus, the tissues next to the uterus, and the top part of the vagina which is next to the cervix.
The surgeon may perform the following procedures along with hysterectomy:
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: This is the procedure of removing the ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
Lymph node dissection: This is a procedure of removal of the lymph nodes to check if cancer has spread.

2. Chemotherapy: This therapy involves the use of certain medications to kill the cancer cells.

3. Radiation therapy: This treatment involves the use of high-powered energy beams like x-rays and protons to kill the cancer cells.

4. Hormone therapy: This treatment provides or blocks the hormones for the treatment of cancer.

5. Immunotherapy: This therapy involves the use of certain drugs that help to boost the immune system to fight cancer.

6. Targeted therapy: This type of treatment involves the use of certain drugs that attack certain characteristics of the cancer cells and ultimately kill them.

The side effects of the different types of uterine cancer treatments include:

1. Surgery:
Pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty in urinating
Difficulty in having bowel movements
Infertility
Menopause
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness

2. Radiation therapy:
Skin reactions
Fatigue
Loose bowel movements
Stomach upset
3. Therapies using medications (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy):
Risk of infection
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Hair loss 
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite or increase in appetite
Sleep disturbances
Weight loss or weight gain
Flu-like symptoms
Depression

Although uterine cancer cannot be prevented as such, the following steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing uterine cancer:

• Use of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) after consultation with your doctor
• Control your diabetes
• Maintenance of a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly

Talk to your doctor about the risks of hormone replacement therapy that may be done to treat the symptoms of menopause

The five-year survival rate of people suffering from endometrial cancer is 81%.  The five-year survival rate is as high as 95% for cancer that is localized and has not spread outside the uterus.

The cost of Uterine Cancer Treatment varies across different cities and hospitals.