What Is Uterine Cancer?

The simple versionExplain▾

Uterine cancers can be of two types: endometrial cancer, which is common, and uterine sarcoma, which is rare. Endometrial cancer can often be cured because it is usually diagnosed early.

Endometrial cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus.

In short: the common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus.

Where endometrial cancer startsExplain▾

The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus grows. In most nonpregnant women, the uterus is about 3 inches long. The lower, narrow end of the uterus is the cervix, which leads to the vagina.

Cancer of the endometrium is different from cancer of the muscle of the uterus, which is called sarcoma of the uterus. This article focuses on endometrial cancer, the common type.

Risk factorsExplain▾

Obesity and having metabolic syndrome may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Risk factors include the following:

• Taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
• Taking tamoxifen to prevent or treat breast cancer.
• Obesity.
• Having metabolic syndrome.
• Having type 2 diabetes.
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Having a family history of endometrial cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter).
• Having certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome.

Taking estrogen alone (without progesterone) after menopause can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Taking estrogen combined with progesterone does not increase this risk. Older age is the main risk factor for most cancers.

In short: obesity, metabolic syndrome, and taking estrogen alone are among the risk factors for endometrial cancer.

Signs and finding itExplain▾

Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding or pain in the pelvis. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge not related to periods.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• Difficult or painful urination.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the pelvic area.

These signs can also be caused by other conditions. Because endometrial cancer begins inside the uterus, it does not usually show up on a Pap test. For this reason, a sample of endometrial tissue is removed and checked under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Endometrial cancer can usually be cured because it is usually diagnosed early. Everyone's situation is different, and your care team is the best source of information about your own health and any next steps.