Recurrent Cancer | Endometrium
Recurrent Uterine Cancer Istanbul: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Recurrent uterine cancer is the recurrence of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) that has already been treated. This recurrence can usually be in the pelvic region, peritoneum, lung or lymph nodes. Gynecologic oncology clinics in Istanbul offer special follow-up and advanced treatment options for recurrent cancer cases.
What is Recurrent Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage and can be completely eradicated with treatment. However, in some patients, cancer cells may remain at a microscopic level and become active again over time. This is called "recurrence" or "recurrent uterine cancer". The risk of recurrence is usually higher in the first 3 years after treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Recurrent Uterine Cancer?
Recurrent uterine cancer can present with some specific symptoms. These symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the initial cancer and the treatment. The most common symptoms are the following:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting (especially after menopause)
- Inguinal and lower abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness
- Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Swelling in the legs (lymphedema)
Who Has a Higher Risk of Recurrence?
The following risk factors can increase the chance of uterine cancer recurring:
- Diagnosis of advanced uterine cancer
- Invasion of lymph nodes
- Inadequate surgical intervention
- Progesterone-insensitive tumors
- Additional diseases such as overweight, diabetes
- Hormone receptor negative tumors
In gynecological oncology centers in Istanbul, these risk factors are evaluated in detail and a patient-specific follow-up plan is made.
How is Recurrent Uterine Cancer Diagnosed?
Following follow-up protocols after treatment is vital for early detection of recurrent cancer. In case of a suspicious symptom, the following diagnostic methods are used:
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasonography
- MRI and PET-CT imaging
- Blood tests (tumor markers such as CA-125)
- Biopsy (taken from suspicious areas)
- How is Recurrent Uterine Cancer Treated?
How is Recurrent Uterine Cancer Treated?
Treatment is planned according to where and how far the cancer has spread. The following treatment methods are applied in high-tech centers in Istanbul:
1. Surgical Intervention
If the recurrence is in a limited area, reoperation can be performed. This is especially preferable for local recurrences.
2. Radiotherapy
In patients who have not received radiotherapy before, radiotherapy can be applied to the pelvic region again.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most commonly used method in cases with systemic spread. Platinum-based drugs and targeted agents are preferred.
4. Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy
With new generation treatment options, tumor cells are targeted specifically. Immunotherapy applications are successfully carried out in some oncology clinics in Istanbul.
Recurrent Uterine Cancer Follow-up
The first 2 years after treatment is the most critical period. Gynecologist oncologists in Istanbul recommend the following follow-up program to their patients:
- First 2 years: Check every 3 months
- 3-5 years: Check every 6 months
- After 5 years: One check per year
At each check-up, examinations, imaging and necessary tests are performed.
What to Do to Prevent Recurrent Cancer?
- Regular gynecological check-ups must be done
- Physician recommended follow the follow-up program
- Maintain a healthy diet and ideal weight
- Exercise habits should be maintained
- Suspicious bleeding or pain should be reported to the physician without delay
Recurrence Cancer
Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş: Recurrent cancer is the recurrence of previously treated cancer. In the case of uterine cancer, a recurrence is when the cancer returns to the previously treated area. Uterine cancer can usually be caught at an early stage and controlled with treatment, but in some patients, cancer cells may remain at a microscopic level and reactivate over time. Recurrent uterine cancer is more common within a few years after treatment, especially in the first 2-3 years.
Recurrent cancer usually manifests itself as recurrent vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain it makes itself known. If a woman has already been treated for uterine cancer and still experiences symptoms such as bleeding or pain despite treatment, there may be a risk of recurrence. Therefore, if symptoms persist after treatment, consult a doctor immediately.
Why do we focus on recurrence cancer? Because recurrence cases caught at an early stage are often curable. When recurrent cancer is detected early, the patient may have a chance to be cured of the cancer with curative treatment. Also annual gynecological examinations and regular follow-ups can detect the risk of cancer recurrence at an early stage. Therefore, it is extremely important that you do not neglect annual check-ups.
Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş, who has a certificate in health tourism, is among the leading specialists in Turkey with robotic surgery applications in the field of gynecology oncology in Istanbul.
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