Uterus

Uterine (cervical) cancer occurs in the Netherlands every year about 2,200 women. Usually diagnosed after symptoms of abnormal bleeding, such as interim bleeding, bleeding after intercourse (contact bleeding) or re-occurring blood loss after menopause. We distinguish between cancer of the uterine body and cervical cancer. Cancer of the uterine body is by far the most common and is mainly found in old age. The deviation is based on the lining of the uterus. When cervical cancer is the deviation from the mucosa or (usually) the outer lining of the cervix. There may be metastases occur in the ovaries, the lymph nodes in the pelvis and upwards into the abdomen.

 

Treatment

In cancer of the uterine body, usually the surgeon removes your uterus and ovaries surgically. Sometimes the lymph nodes in the pelvis surgically removed. In certain situations, then follow a further radiation treatment. This is usually an external radiation treatment .

If you experience a limited tumor spread in cervical cancer occurs, you will also undergo a surgery. This is a larger operation. Here, the uterus, ovaries, the supporting tissues around the uterus and the upper part of the sheath removed. Also, the lymph nodes in the pelvis removed. Sometimes afterwards additional, usually external, radiation needed.

When the cancer in an advanced stage, we combine radiotherapy (external and usually internally) with weekly chemotherapy. After the entire treatment may sometimes need an additional surgery to do.

 

Side effects generally
The side effects of radiation therapy vary from patient to patient. Some patients experience little side effects. Other patients have more symptoms during and after treatment. Besides common side effects (skin irritation, fatigue, etc.) can have some side effects, mainly in the irradiation of the uterus.

 

Side effects: bowel symptoms
The intestine is sensitive to radiation and are therefore easily irritation occurs. During treatment can suffer from cramps and diarrhea. If you are receiving chemotherapy, can sometimes prevent constipation. These side effects are temporary. A few weeks after the irradiation has ended, the intestinal cells recovered sufficiently. You will notice that the sneezing.

Influence fertility and sexual function
Early menopause
If you are not in transition, it means the removal of the uterus that your periods stop. On removal of your ovaries will end the production of certain sex hormones. This brings you into early menopause. As with the natural transition, you may experience such "hot flashes", excessive sweating, and alternating hot and cold. The sudden loss of hormone production, we cope by hormone replacement drugs. This is done in consultation with your doctor.

Physical effects
The treatment can create a lack of sex hormones. The sentence will result in sex off. It is possible that the experience of orgasm (temporarily) more difficult or different. Besides, your vagina may be drier and more sensitive, making intercourse painful as possible. Solution provides a lubricant if necessary. If you do not have intercourse, we recommend several times a week an internal tampon use Vaseline. This is especially in the first months after the radiation treatment is important. This prevents sticking because of the vaginal walls due to radiation. Subsequent community is possible in this way. Moreover, examination of the uterus and vagina still occur.

Infertility
In the surgical treatment of cancer of the uterine body and the early stages of cervical cancer, your uterus and ovaries removed. This means that a pregnancy is no longer possible. Radiation also means that you lose your fertility.

Posted in: Uterus