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Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is cancer of either the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer), or a uterine sarcoma that develops in the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). Endometrial cancer is much more common than uterine sarcomas, so the terms endometrial cancer and uterine cancer are often used interchangeably. Approximately 3% of women will receive a uterine cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives — about 65,000 women per year in the United States. Around 68% of uterine cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, especially since it occurs mostly in post-menopausal women, and vaginal bleeding is an early symptom. Anyone experiencing vaginal bleeding after menopause should consult with their doctor to rule out potential serious conditions like uterine cancer.

Types of Uterine Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

This is the most common form of uterine cancer, accounting for 90–95% of uterine cancers. Endometrial cancers affect the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. The most common type is adenocarcinoma. Other endometrial cancers include carcinosarcoma, clear cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, serous carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. Type 1 endometrial cancers are less aggressive and have a better outlook. Type 2 cancers are more likely to grow and spread quickly.

Uterine Sarcoma

This is the least common form of uterine cancer, comprising only 2–5% of uterine cancers. This is a sarcoma that affects the myometrium, the muscular middle layer of the uterus. The most common type is called uterine leiomyosarcoma, which is typically aggressive. Other types include endometrial stroma sarcoma (ESS), adenosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. Low grade ESS and adenosarcoma grow more slowly and have a better outlook, while high grade ESS and undifferentiated sarcoma are more aggressive.

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms

Most Common

  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Heavier or more irregular periods than typical for the patient

Less Common

  • Pain in abdomen or pelvis
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Painful or difficult urination

Uterine Sarcoma Symptoms

  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Heavier or more irregular periods than typical for the patient
  • Pain in pelvis or abdomen
  • Feeling of fullness in pelvis or a localized mass in the pelvis
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits, especially frequent urination and constipation

Uterine Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Health & Lifestyle Factors

  • Age 50 or older
  • High animal fat diet
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Family history
  • Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
  • Ovarian diseases

Reproductive & Medical History

  • Early menstruation
  • Late menopause
  • Long menstruation span
  • No history of pregnancy
  • Prior pelvic radiation
  • Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
  • Use of tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment)

Uterine Cancer Diagnosis

Uterine cancer is determined through an assessment of symptoms, risk factors, and family history, plus a physical exam and pelvic exam. Specific tests will confirm the diagnosis, including a CA-125 blood assay, CT scans, MRI scans, transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, and sometimes a dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove uterine tissue. A Pap test does not screen for or diagnose uterine cancer.

Uterine Cancer Treatment

Uterine cancer treatment is adjusted for the particular cancer and patient, and is matched to the patient's overall health. Surgery is usually the primary treatment for endometrial cancer, the most common type of uterine cancer, usually a hysterectomy, removing the uterus and cervix. Treatment for uterine cancer can also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Uterine Cancer Prognosis

81% of women with endometrial cancer survive past five years; if the cancer didn't spread outside the uterus, the five-year survival jumps to 95%. The survival rate decreases to 17% when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Why Choose Us

Trusted Providers of Gynecologic Oncology in the Phoenix, AZ Metro Area

Women's Cancer Institute of Arizona offers top quality gynecologic oncology treatments in the metro Phoenix area. Our gynecologic oncology specialists are well versed in both forms of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas, and can ensure the best outcome for your cancer care.