Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)

Definition

Uterine cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the uterus (womb).

The lower portion of the uterus, which is closest to the vagina, is called the cervix. When cancer develops in this portion, it is called cervical cancer .

The walls of the uterus (excluding the cervical portion) are made up of the endometrium—the inner lining, and the myometrium—the muscular, outer lining. The most common type of uterine cancer, adenocarcinoma, begins in the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is another term for uterine cancer. Less common cancers, called sarcomas, begin in the myometrium. This fact sheet will focus on endometrial cancer.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case uterus cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown. Exposure to the hormone estrogen seems to be strongly related to the development of this cancer.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Age: 50 to 60 years old
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Endometrial polyps
• Infertility
• No history of pregnancy
• Early start of menstrual periods
• Late menopause
• Diabetes

Symptoms

• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Pain during urination
• Pain during intercourse

Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. A woman experiencing these symptoms should see her doctor.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Pelvic exam—examination of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum
• Pap test —scraping and testing tissue from the inside of the cervix and upper vagina
• Biopsy of the uterine lining—removing a sample of tissue from the uterine lining for testing
• Dilation and curettage (D&C) —to get a sample of tissue from the uterine lining

Treatment

Once uterine cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Treatments for uterine cancer depend on the stage of the cancer.

Treatments include:

Prevention

All women should have yearly pelvic exams to monitor any changes that may signal cancer development. Use of oral contraceptives may provide some protection against uterine cancer.