Uterus

The uterus, commonly referred to as the womb, is a pear-shaped muscular organ in the lower abdominal quadrant of a woman's body. It is located between the bowel and bladder. Along with the ovaries and the vagina, it composes a part of the female reproductive system.

The uterus is composed of a lower portion known as the cervix and a wider upper portion known as the corpus.

Shortly after the onset of puberty, the inner layer of the corpus, known as the endometrium, commences a monthly cycle by which its tissue expands and thickens in anticipation of receiving a fertilized egg. If successful egg fertilization is not realized during this time frame, the tissue disintegrates and is evacuated through the vagina. The shedding of this lining is known as menstruation.

If an egg were to be successfully fertilized, it would adhere itself to the endometrium. The muscular outer layer of the corpus, known as the myometrium, expands the uterus during pregnancy so as to accommodate the growing fetus and at the point of initiation of labor for childbirth, contracts to move the child towards the birth canal.

At the onset of menopause, the monthly cycle of thickening of the endometrium ceases to occur.

There are several factors that can have an impact on the health of the uterus such as previous surgery, body weight, hormone therapy, oral contraceptives and family history.Mayo Clinic: Prevention National Women's Health Resource Center(NWHRC): What is Uterine Health Asherman's Syndrome: Medical Description

Some of the health problems that can involve the uterus include cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and uterine polyps.MedlinePlus: Specific Conditions Mayo Clinic: Adenomyosis Mayo Clinic: Tilted Uterus

The most common form of uterine cancer is cancer of the endometrium. This cancer is typically found in women that are fifty and older. One of the most common symptoms is abnormal bleeding from the vagina.National Cancer Institute: Uterine Cancer

A uterine sarcoma is not as common as endometrial cancer. A sarcoma can occur in either the smooth muscle or the connective tissue of the uterus. Like endometrial cancer, its usually more prevalent in post-menopausal women, and manifests itself with abnormal bleeding.National Cancer Institute: Uterine Sarcoma

Treatment for uterine cancer will usually involve a hysterectomy, and may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or and hormone treatment.National Cancer Institute: Uterine Cancer National Cancer Institute: Staging National Cancer Institute: Symptoms National Cancer Institute: Methods of Treatment

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have pancreatic cancer, please consult your doctor.