DANVILLE, Pa. — Charlotte Wertman enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog CJ, at her home near Catawissa. Lately, she's been feeling great. But a few months ago, that wasn't the case. Charlotte started noticing subtle changes in her body in November of 2022.
"I took notice of some spotting that was occurring, and I didn't understand why that would be occurring. The only thing I knew that was new was this new medication."
Charlotte's doctor ruled that out. After a series of tests, a pap smear revealed abnormal cells. Charlotte was diagnosed with stage one endometrial cancer.
"Stage one, if not treated properly, could go into stage two and three and four."
Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding after menopause and bleeding between periods. Other symptoms are pelvic pain and pain during sex, but some women do not experience any symptoms.
"Really pay attention to the signs of your body, really act on it, stay informed, stay involved with your physician."
Charlotte was treated by Dr. Scott Purinton, who is Geisinger's chief of gynecologic oncology. He says 85 percent of these cases are treated with surgery, as was Charlotte's.
"The surgery consists of performing a total hysterectomy, which is removal of the cervix and the uterus, as well as fallopian tubes, ovaries, and then usually lymph nodes as well," Dr. Purinton said.
Charlotte will go for two different follow-up visits to make sure everything is clear.