Endometrial and Cervical Cancer Though

Endometrial and Cervical Cancer

Though they both impact on a woman's reproductive system, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer have important differences. This paper compares and contrasts the causes and symptoms of cervical and endometrial cancers.

In the conclusion, this paper looks at the available treatment, especially in regards to the proposed vaccine against cervical cancer.

Endometrial cancer affects the lining of a woman's uterus, also called the endometrium. When the cells of this lining multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled fashion, a woman is suffering from endometrial cancer. This disease usually strikes women in their 50s or older. When caught at its early stage, before the cancer has spread outside the uterus, this disease also has a high rate of recovery. Of those who are diagnosed in the early stage, an estimated 93% remain cancer-free five years after their treatment (Burke 2001).

Like endometrial cancer, cervical cancer also affects the cervix, the lower tip of the uterus. Abnormal cells, either squamous cells or adenocarcinoma cells. As with endometrial cancer, early detection of cancer of the cervix is important. If the growth of abnormal cells is detected before they turn cancerous, a patient has an excellent chance of recovery (Bristow 2003).

There are generally accepted risk factors associated with endometrial cancer. Long-term exposure to estrogen occurs in women who begin their menstrual period early, before age 12. Late menopause, after age 55, is another risk factor. Women who have never completed a full-term pregnancy and who have never breast-fed also have increased risk of endometrial cancer. Finally, since fat cells lead to increased estrogen production, the risk of developing endometrial cancer increases in women who are obese (Burke 2003).

In comparison, cervical cancer has some advantages in terms of symptoms and diagnosis. First, regular screening through a Pap test can detect abnormal cells far before these cells turn cancerous. Also, because of its location, the cervix is more prone to infection, which can eventually lead to cancer. This includes infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a high-risk virus that could lead to genital warts and worse, cervical cancer (Bristow 2001).

Since both types of cancers have excellent recovery prospects in their early stages, it is important for women to seek medical help as soon as these symptoms are observed. In cases where endometrial cancer is suspected, a physician would take a biopsy of the patient's uterus for further evaluation. Together with blood tests and bone scans, the biopsy would help a physician determine the stage of cervical cancer and select the best treatment option (Burke 2003).

The appropriate treatment for endometrial and cervical cancers is based on the stage of the disease. In their advanced stages, a radical hysterectomy may be performed. In addition to the uterus, nearby organs such as both ovaries, the fallopian tubes and pelvic lymph nodes can be performed. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also appropriate treatment (Bristow 2001). Patients with endometrial cancer could also turn to hormone therapy (Burke 2003).