Emakavähk

Emakavähk, or cancer of the uterus, refers to malignant tumors that arise from uterine tissue. The most common form is endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Less common are uterine sarcomas, which develop from the muscular wall (myometrium) or supporting tissue.

Risk factors include older age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and unopposed estrogen exposure. Other factors are early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, tamoxifen use, and inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome. The disease is more often diagnosed in postmenopausal women.

The most common symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding, especially after menopause. Pelvic pain, pressure, or a new vaginal discharge may occur in some cases. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, evaluation by a clinician is essential.

Diagnosis typically starts with a transvaginal ultrasound to assess endometrial thickness. If abnormal, an endometrial biopsy, dilation and curettage, or hysteroscopy is performed to obtain tissue for histology. Staging uses imaging such as MRI or CT scans, and surgical assessment to determine the extent of disease. Histology confirms the diagnosis and informs treatment.

Treatment depends on stage and histology. It usually involves surgery to remove the uterus and often the ovaries and fallopian tubes, with assessment of regional lymph nodes. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may follow, and hormonal therapy may be used in selected low-grade cases. Prognosis is strongest in early-stage disease and worsens with advancing stage. Prevention focuses on risk-factor management, including healthy weight maintenance and control of metabolic conditions; for high-risk individuals, discussion of risk-reducing strategies with a clinician may be appropriate.