Skip to content

We are currently in beta

Please enjoy the existing content while we continue to fix and enhance your experience.

We would love to receive any feedback or comments that you'd like to share.

You can contact us here

Journeys of Life StoryMD Health Communities

Why StoryMD
Our Story
Point of Care
Newsletter
Contact Us
Help Center

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Accessibility

Find us on facebook
Find us on instagram
Find us on linkedin
Find us on pinterest
Find us on twitter
Find us on youtube

© 2024 StoryMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Uterine Cancer

Table of Contents

Uterine Cancer

Cancer of the Uterus; Uterine Neoplasms; Womb Cancer

Uterine cancer is cancer of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Learn how to lower your risk and about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment for uterine cancer.

Endometrial Cancer

Image by Blausen Medical Communications, Inc.

About

Uterus with Cancer Origins

Image by Crosscoupling/Wikimedia

Uterus with Cancer Origins

This image is modified from an original figure of the uterus produced by the National Cancer Institute to clearly show what cancers derive from what layers of the uterus. The original figure was in the public domain after being created by the NIH Medical Arts.

Image by Crosscoupling/Wikimedia

About Uterine Cancer

The uterus, or womb, is the place where a baby grows when a women is pregnant. There are different types of uterine cancer. The most common type starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This type is also called endometrial cancer.

The symptoms of uterine cancer include

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Trouble urinating
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse

Uterine cancer usually happens after menopause. It is more common in women who have obesity. You also have a higher risk if you took estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (menopausal hormone therapy) for many years.

Tests to find uterine cancer include a pelvic exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy. The most common treatment is a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus. Sometimes the surgery also removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Other treatments include hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Some women get more than one type of treatment.

Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Additional Materials (10)

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Image by Blausen Medical Communications, Inc.

What Is Uterine Cancer? | Ask Cleveland Clinic's Expert

Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube

What’s On Her Mind?

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Understanding Uterine Cancer

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Knowledge is Power: Uterine Cancer

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Endometrial Cancer – Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Bring It to the Table: Understanding Your Family’s Cancer Risk

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

About Endometrial Cancer - Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Uterine Cancer Fact Sheet

Uterine Cancer Fact Sheet

Document by CDC

Young Kim, MD | Endometrial Cancer

Video by Tufts Medical Center/YouTube

Endometrial Cancer

Blausen Medical Communications, Inc.

4:38

What Is Uterine Cancer? | Ask Cleveland Clinic's Expert

Cleveland Clinic/YouTube

0:46

What’s On Her Mind?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

2:42

Understanding Uterine Cancer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

0:16

Knowledge is Power: Uterine Cancer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

8:07

Endometrial Cancer – Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

0:46

Bring It to the Table: Understanding Your Family’s Cancer Risk

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

1:43

About Endometrial Cancer - Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Uterine Cancer Fact Sheet

CDC

4:37

Young Kim, MD | Endometrial Cancer

Tufts Medical Center/YouTube

Basic Info

Uterine Cancer - Stages 1A and 1B cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stage 2 cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stages 3A to 3C cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stages 4A and 4B cancer

1

2

3

4

Stages of Uterine Cancer

Interactive by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons

Uterine Cancer - Stages 1A and 1B cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stage 2 cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stages 3A to 3C cancer

Uterine Cancer - Stages 4A and 4B cancer

1

2

3

4

Stages of Uterine Cancer

Interactive slider showing stages 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B uterine cancer

Interactive by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons

Basic Information About Uterine Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later. When cancer starts in the uterus, it is called uterine cancer. The uterus is the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis (the area below your stomach and in between your hip bones). The uterus, also called the womb, is where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The most common type of uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer because it forms in the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium.

This diagram shows different parts of a woman’s reproductive system.

All women are at risk for uterine cancer, but the risk increases with age. Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or who have gone through menopause—the time of life when your menstrual periods stop.

What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer?

Several factors may increase the chance that you will get uterine cancer.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk?

There is no known way to prevent uterine cancer, but some things may lower your chance of getting it.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer may cause vaginal discharge or bleeding that is not normal for you. Uterine cancer may also cause other symptoms, such as pain or pressure in your pelvis.

What Should I Know About Screening?

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for uterine cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to lower your risk.

How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?

Uterine cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of uterine cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (4)

Pelvic Diseases: Uterine Cancer

Video by AFMSCEMMTube/YouTube

What is endometrial cancer? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Video by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube

Uterine Cancer Animation

Video by Blausen Medical Corporate/YouTube

Stages of Endometrial Cancer

Video by Catherine Vallance/YouTube

1:12

Pelvic Diseases: Uterine Cancer

AFMSCEMMTube/YouTube

3:09

What is endometrial cancer? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube

0:32

Uterine Cancer Animation

Blausen Medical Corporate/YouTube

0:17

Stages of Endometrial Cancer

Catherine Vallance/YouTube

Should I Be Concerned?

Endometrial Cancer

Image by Darryl Leja, NHGRI

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer. Women with clear cell endometrial cancer, a rare type of endometrial cancer, generally have poorer clinical outcomes

Image by Darryl Leja, NHGRI

Uterine Cancer

Cancer of the uterus (uterine cancer) is cancer in the womb, where a baby grows during a woman's pregnancy. But uterine cancer usually happens after menopause. Some women who get uterine cancer have certain risk factors, or things in their life that cause them to have a higher chance of getting this disease.

What is uterine cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't function right, divide very fast, and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. Cancer of the uterus is cancer in the womb, the pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman's pregnancy. There are different types of uterine cancers. Two types are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas. In the United States, endometrial cancer is a common cancer of the female reproductive system. This type of cancer happens when cancer begins in the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). Uterine sarcomas occur when cancer grows in the muscles or other supporting tissues in the uterus. Uterine sarcomas account for only a small portion of cancers of the uterus.

Why should I be concerned about uterine cancer?

Some women who get uterine cancer have certain risk factors, or things in their life that cause them to have a higher chance of getting this disease. But there are women who get uterine cancer who do not have any of these high risk factors. Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. But it may also occur around the time that menopause begins. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer. Bleeding may start as a watery, blood-streaked flow that gradually contains more blood. Women should not assume that abnormal vaginal bleeding is part of menopause. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, talk with your health care provider.

Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Additional Materials (1)

Not Just Words PSA (:60)

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

1:00

Not Just Words PSA (:60)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Risk Factors

Uterus with Uterine Cancer

Image by TheVisualMD

Uterus with Uterine Cancer

The link between endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) and obesity is very strong. Obese women have two to four times the risk of endometrial cancer as nonobese women, regardless of a woman's menopausal status, and about half of all endometrial cancers are linked to overweight or obesity. It's not clear why this is so, but it may be that long exposure to high levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and insulin, play a part.

Image by TheVisualMD

What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer?

There is no way to know for sure if you will get uterine cancer. Some women get it without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase the chance that you will get uterine cancer, including if you—

Are older than 50.
Are obese (have an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat).
Take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for hormone replacement during menopause.
Have had trouble getting pregnant, or have had fewer than five periods in a year before starting menopause.
Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
Have close family members who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.

If one or more of these things is true for you, it does not mean you will get uterine cancer. But you should speak with your doctor to see if he or she recommends more frequent exams.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (4)

Obesity and Endometrial Cancer – Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Obesity & Endometrial Cancer: A Patient's Guide

Video by Society of Gynecologic Oncology/YouTube

Older Women and Reproductive Cancers

Video by Lee Health/YouTube

Predicting women’s risk of endometrial cancer

Video by Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health UoM/YouTube

3:22

Obesity and Endometrial Cancer – Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

1:31

Obesity & Endometrial Cancer: A Patient's Guide

Society of Gynecologic Oncology/YouTube

1:42

Older Women and Reproductive Cancers

Lee Health/YouTube

2:43

Predicting women’s risk of endometrial cancer

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health UoM/YouTube

Symptoms

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Heavy bleeding

Image by Jamin Mahmood of Vulvani

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Heavy bleeding

menstrual art menstruation art with blood

Image by Jamin Mahmood of Vulvani

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer may cause vaginal discharge or bleeding that is not normal for you. Bleeding may be abnormal because of how heavy it is or when it happens, such as after you have gone through menopause, between periods, or any other bleeding that is longer or heavier than is normal for you. Uterine cancer may also cause other symptoms, such as pain or pressure in your pelvis.

If you have bleeding that is not normal for you, especially if you have already gone through menopause, see a doctor right away. Also see a doctor if you have any other signs or symptoms for two weeks or longer. These things may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (5)

Sanitary Napkins and Tampons

Sanitary Napkins and Tampons

Image by TheVisualMD

Uterine Cancer- Warning signs and red flags to look out for.

Video by GetDoc/YouTube

Endometrial cancer - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

What are some symptoms and risk factors to uterine cancer?

Video by Premier Health/YouTube

Recognizing the symptoms of endometrial cancer

Video by UW Medicine/YouTube

Sanitary Napkins and Tampons

TheVisualMD

2:15

Uterine Cancer- Warning signs and red flags to look out for.

GetDoc/YouTube

7:57

Endometrial cancer - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

0:31

What are some symptoms and risk factors to uterine cancer?

Premier Health/YouTube

2:58

Recognizing the symptoms of endometrial cancer

UW Medicine/YouTube

Screening

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Vaginal ultrasonography

Image by BruceBlaus

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Vaginal ultrasonography

Vaginal ultrasound

Image by BruceBlaus

What Should I Know About Uterine Cancer Screening?

There are no simple and reliable ways to test for uterine cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer.

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

If you have symptoms or believe you may be at high risk for uterine cancer, your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal ultrasound. These tests can be used to help diagnose or rule out uterine cancer. Your doctor may do this test in his or her office, or may refer you to another doctor. The doctor might perform more tests if the endometrial biopsy does not provide enough information, or if symptoms continue.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (5)

Mayo Clinic Minute: Tampon test for endometrial cancer

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Endometrial Cancer Screening Research: Mayo Clinic Radio

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Proliferative endometrium

Trilaminar endometrium. Typical appearance for the proliferative phase. In this case, the image was obtained on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Image by Luis F. Goncalves/Wikimedia

Endometrium

normal endometrium in the uterine cavity

Image by Hic et nunc/Wikimedia

Endometrial histopathologies and cytopathologies

Histopathologic and cytopathologic images.(A) proliferative endometrium (Left: HE × 400) and proliferative endometrial cells (Right: HE × 100)(B) secretory endometrium (Left: HE × 10) and secretory endometrial cells (Right: HE × 10)(C) atrophic endometrium (Left: HE × 10) and atrophic endometrial cells (Right: HE × 10)(D) mixed endometrium (Left: HE × 10) and mixed endometrial cells (Right: HE × 10)(E): endometrial atypical hyperplasia (Left: HE × 10) and endometrial atypical cells (Right: HE × 200)(F) endometrial carcinoma (Left: HE × 400) and endometrial cancer cells (Right: HE × 400).

Image by Lu Han, Jiang Du, Lanbo Zhao, Chao Sun, Qi Wang, Xiaoqian Tuo, Huilian Hou, Yu Liu, Qing Wang, Qurat Ulain, Shulan Lv2, Guanjun Zhang, Qing Song and Qiling Li/Wikimedia

1:00

Mayo Clinic Minute: Tampon test for endometrial cancer

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

19:25

Endometrial Cancer Screening Research: Mayo Clinic Radio

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Proliferative endometrium

Luis F. Goncalves/Wikimedia

Endometrium

Hic et nunc/Wikimedia

Endometrial histopathologies and cytopathologies

Lu Han, Jiang Du, Lanbo Zhao, Chao Sun, Qi Wang, Xiaoqian Tuo, Huilian Hou, Yu Liu, Qing Wang, Qurat Ulain, Shulan Lv2, Guanjun Zhang, Qing Song and Qiling Li/Wikimedia

Pelvic Ultrasound - Female

Pelvic Ultrasound - Female

Also called: Gynecological Scan, Gynecologic Ultrasound, Female Pelvic Scan, Female Pelvic Sonography, Transabdominal Female Pelvic Ultrasound, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Endovaginal Ultrasound

A female pelvic ultrasound is a test that uses an ultrasound machine to assess the size, shape, and location of the organs and tissues inside a woman’s pelvis, including the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, and bladder.

Pelvic Ultrasound - Female

Also called: Gynecological Scan, Gynecologic Ultrasound, Female Pelvic Scan, Female Pelvic Sonography, Transabdominal Female Pelvic Ultrasound, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Endovaginal Ultrasound

A female pelvic ultrasound is a test that uses an ultrasound machine to assess the size, shape, and location of the organs and tissues inside a woman’s pelvis, including the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, and bladder.

{"label":"Pelvic Ultrasound - Female Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"This means that your uterus, ovaries, and bladder are of a normal shape and size, without any abnormal masses or tissues.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"A problem or abnormality was detected during your pelvic ultrasound, either in your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or bladder. Talk to your doctor to know what this result means in your specific case.","conditions":["Fibroid tumors","Cysts","Ovarian torsion","Pelvic masses","Pelvic inflammatory disease","Ectopic pregnancy","Miscarriage","Free liquid in the pelvic cavity","Endometrial hyperplasia"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
This means that your uterus, ovaries, and bladder are of a normal shape and size, without any abnormal masses or tissues.
Related conditions
Your doctor may want to order a female pelvic ultrasound to diagnose and assist in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, such as:
- Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus and endometrium (lining of the uterus)
- Abnormalities in the structure of the ovaries
- Growths such as fibroid tumors, cysts, and other types of tumors within the pelvis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID, which is an infection of your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries)
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus)
- Abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Find an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
- As part of the work-up for infertility and assisted reproduction techniques
A normal result means that your uterus, ovaries, and bladder are of a normal shape and size, without any abnormal masses or tissues.
An abnormal result indicates that a problem was detected, including but not limited to:
- Fibroid tumors
- Cysts
- Ovarian torsion
- Pelvic masses
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Free liquid in the pelvic cavity
- Endometrial hyperplasia, which is a thickening of the endometrium
1. Pelvic Ultrasound: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Results [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
2. Pelvic Ultrasound [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
3. Pelvic Ultrasound | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
4. Transvaginal Ultrasound: Purpose, Procedure, and Results [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
5. Pelvic Ultrasound - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
6. HEM Ultrasound | Female Pelvic Ultrasound [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (1)

What to Expect From a Female Pelvic Ultrasound Exam

Video by RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube

2:19

What to Expect From a Female Pelvic Ultrasound Exam

RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube

Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial Biopsy

Also called: Biopsy - Endometrium

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of endometrium tissue (the lining of the uterus) for testing. The tissue is looked at under a microscope to check for abnormal cells.

Endometrial Biopsy

Also called: Biopsy - Endometrium

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of endometrium tissue (the lining of the uterus) for testing. The tissue is looked at under a microscope to check for abnormal cells.

{"label":"Endometrial Biopsy Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"This means that no cancerous cells or other abnormal cells are found. ","conditions":[]},{"flag":"borderline","label":{"short":"Inconclusive","long":"Inconclusive","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":" This means that a definitive diagnosis could not be reached. Further testing, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), may be required. ","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":2,"max":3},"text":"This means that abnormal cells were found in your endometrial tissue sample. Talk to your doctor to know what this result means in your specific case.","conditions":["Benign tumors","Polyps","Fibroids\u00a0","Endometritis","Endometrial hyperplasia","Endometrial cancer"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"borderline":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
This means that no cancerous cells or other abnormal cells are found.
Related conditions
Your doctor may want to order this test is the following situations:
- To help assess the cause of infertility
- If you have heavy or unusually long menstrual periods
- If your menstrual cycle is irregular
- If you have vaginal bleeding after the menopause
- If a pelvic ultrasound has shown that you have a thickened uterine lining
An endometrial biopsy is normal when no cancerous cells or other abnormal cells are found.
Results are considered abnormal when any of the following findings are present:
- Benign (noncancerous) growths, such as polyps or fibroids
- A uterine infection, like endometritis
- Endometrial hyperplasia, which is a thickening of the endometrium
- Endometrial cancer
Your results might also come back as inconclusive. In this case, further testing, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), may be required.
1. Endometrial Biopsy Test Details | Cleveland Clinic [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=92&contentid=P07773 [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
3. Endometrial Biopsy: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]
4. Endometrial Biopsy | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library [accessed on Dec 27, 2018]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (16)

Dilation and Curettage

An illustration of the dilation and curettage medical procedure

Image by Fred the Oyster

Symptoms, Causes, Risk of pregnancy loss/miscarriage

A 13-week fetus without cardiac activity located in the uterus (delayed or missed miscarriage)

Image by Mikael Haggstrom

Endometrial Cancer | Did You Know?

Video by National Cancer Institute/YouTube

Mayo researchers developing new way to screen for endometrial cancer - Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Dilation and Curettage D & C Surgery PreOp® Patient Engagement and Education

Video by PreOp.com Patient Engagement - Patient Education/YouTube

Pelvic Diseases: Uterine Cancer

Video by AFMSCEMMTube/YouTube

The Facts on Miscarriages (Getting Pregnant #6)

Video by Healthguru/YouTube

How to Recover from a Miscarriage

Video by Howcast/YouTube

What Causes Miscarriage | Parents

Video by Parents/YouTube

What is endometrial cancer? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Video by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube

Uterus

Uterus and Nearby Organs Description The uterus and nearby organs in the female reproductive tract (ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina). An inset provides a close-up view of the layers of the tissue in the uterus (myometrium and endometrium).

Image by BruceBlaus

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Uterus

Uterus and Nearby Organs Description The uterus and nearby organs in the female reproductive tract (ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina). An inset provides a close-up view of the layers of the tissue in the uterus (myometrium and endometrium).

Image by National Cancer Institute

Human female reproductive system

Uterus and Nearby Organs Description The uterus and nearby organs in the female reproductive tract (ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina). An inset provides a close-up view of the layers of the tissue in the uterus (myometrium and endometrium).

Image by Blausen.com staff (2014). \"Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014\". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436

Implantation

During implantation, the trophoblast cells of the blastocyst adhere to the endometrium and digest endometrial cells until it is attached securely.

Image by CNX Openstax

Uterus with Uterine Cancer

Medical visualization of an anterior cross-sectional view of a uterus with advanced uterine cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer. The most common form of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer (90%+), which originates from the lining of the uterus (endometrium.) Far less common is uterine sarcoma, which originates from the outer layer of muscle (myometrium.)

Image by TheVisualMD

Estrogen Molecule

Medical visualization of an estrogen molecule. Estrogen, as with all of the other main sex hormones, is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol. Along with progesterone, estrogen is one of the most important female sex hormones. Estrogen production is primarily located in the developing follicles in the ovaries, called the corpus luteum, and the placenta. Another main site of estrogen production is fatty tissue, making weight a contributing factor to the timing of puberty. Smaller amounts are produced by other tissues such as the the breasts, liver, and adrenal glands. Estrogen is responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth, as well as aspects of menstrual cycle regulation, such as the thickening of the endometrium. As with all sex hormones, the effects of estrogen aren't limited to reproduction; estrogen affects bone growth and is involved with learning and memory. Both men and women have all of the main sex hormones, but in very different amounts. Women have much more estrogen than men, but some research suggests that estrogen may be essential for maintenance of the male libido, or sex drive.

Image by TheVisualMD

Dilation and Curettage

Fred the Oyster

Symptoms, Causes, Risk of pregnancy loss/miscarriage

Mikael Haggstrom

2:53

Endometrial Cancer | Did You Know?

National Cancer Institute/YouTube

1:43

Mayo researchers developing new way to screen for endometrial cancer - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

3:12

Dilation and Curettage D & C Surgery PreOp® Patient Engagement and Education

PreOp.com Patient Engagement - Patient Education/YouTube

1:12

Pelvic Diseases: Uterine Cancer

AFMSCEMMTube/YouTube

3:41

The Facts on Miscarriages (Getting Pregnant #6)

Healthguru/YouTube

2:03

How to Recover from a Miscarriage

Howcast/YouTube

1:06

What Causes Miscarriage | Parents

Parents/YouTube

3:09

What is endometrial cancer? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube

Uterus

BruceBlaus

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Uterus

National Cancer Institute

Human female reproductive system

Blausen.com staff (2014). \"Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014\". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436

Implantation

CNX Openstax

Uterus with Uterine Cancer

TheVisualMD

Estrogen Molecule

TheVisualMD

Treatment

Chemotherapy Vials

Image by Bill Branson (Photographer) / National Cancer Institute

Chemotherapy Vials

Variety of chemotherapy drugs in vials.

Image by Bill Branson (Photographer) / National Cancer Institute

How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?

If your doctor says that you have uterine cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers like this. This doctor and his or her team will work with you to create a treatment plan.

Types of Treatment

Uterine cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of uterine cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.
Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.

Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on your medical team.

Gynecologic oncologists are doctors who have been trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system.
Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.
Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine.
Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.

Visit the National Cancer Institute for more information about treatments for the most common kinds of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials use new treatment options to see if they are safe and effective. If you have cancer, you may want to take part.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not standard cancer treatments. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments, and alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments. Meditation, yoga, and supplements like vitamins and herbs are some examples.

Many kinds of complementary and alternative medicine have not been tested scientifically and may not be safe. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Choosing the treatment that is right for you may be hard. Talk to your cancer doctor about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects. Side effects are how your body reacts to drugs or other treatments.

Sometimes people get an opinion from more than one cancer doctor. This is called a “second opinion.” Getting a second opinion may help you choose the treatment that is right for you.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (4)

Endometrial Cancer Care | UCLA Gynecologic Oncology

Video by UCLA Health/YouTube

Endometrial Cancer Treatment: Surgery & Personalized Medicine - Joshua Cohen, MD | UCLAMDChat

Video by UCLA Health/YouTube

Uterine Fibroid Procedure Risks Spreading Cancer

Video by Wall Street Journal/YouTube

Wendy’s endometrial cancer treatment story

Video by Cancer Treatment Centers of America - CTCA/YouTube

2:51

Endometrial Cancer Care | UCLA Gynecologic Oncology

UCLA Health/YouTube

43:23

Endometrial Cancer Treatment: Surgery & Personalized Medicine - Joshua Cohen, MD | UCLAMDChat

UCLA Health/YouTube

2:15

Uterine Fibroid Procedure Risks Spreading Cancer

Wall Street Journal/YouTube

2:30

Wendy’s endometrial cancer treatment story

Cancer Treatment Centers of America - CTCA/YouTube

Prevention

Slynd® Progestin-Only (Drospirenone) Birth Controll

Image by Slynd®

Slynd® Progestin-Only (Drospirenone) Birth Controll

Image by Slynd®

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk for Uterine Cancer?

There is no known way to prevent uterine cancer. But these things may reduce your chance of getting uterine cancer—

Using birth control pills.
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
Taking progesterone, if you are taking estrogen.

Ask your doctor about how often you should be checked for uterine cancer, especially if you think that you have factors that increase your chance of getting it.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (2)

Obesity & Endometrial Cancer: A Patient's Guide

Video by Society of Gynecologic Oncology/YouTube

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms & Prevention | Memorial Sloan Kettering

Video by Memorial Sloan Kettering/YouTube

1:31

Obesity & Endometrial Cancer: A Patient's Guide

Society of Gynecologic Oncology/YouTube

5:12

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms & Prevention | Memorial Sloan Kettering

Memorial Sloan Kettering/YouTube

Related HealthJournals

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). It is the most common type of uterine cancer. Learn more about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for endometrial cancer.

Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of uterine cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). It usually occurs after menopause. The two main types are leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma. Explore causes and treatment options.

Uterus

The uterus is the muscular organ that nourishes and supports the growing embryo

Uterine Diseases

Uterine diseases are conditions that affect the uterus such as endometriosis, which is when tissue grows where it's not supposed to. Learn more here.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows in other places in the body outside of the uterus. It can cause pain, very heavy periods, and in some cases, infertility. It's especially common among women in their 30s and 40s. Learn about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for endometriosis.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Women with ovarian cancer may have no symptoms or mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. Learn more about the causes, how it's diagnosed, and the treatments available.

Gynecologic Cancers

Five main types of cancer affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic cancers. Learn more about these female reproductive cancers.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is cancer of the labia or skin of a woman's genitals. It is very rare. Having HPV is a risk factor. Get more details here.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is not very common and can be found early with a pap smear. Learn about risk factors such as HPV and the treatment options available.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix, the organ connecting the uterus and vagina. It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests. Most cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus. It can often be cured if found early - learn how.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Screening for cervical cancer is usually part of a woman's health checkup. There are two types of tests: the Pap test and the HPV test that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. Learn more about cervical cancer screening, benefits and the potential risks of these tests.

Share and discuss

Share your story, discuss an issue or get
advice from the community

Create conversation

Sign up here for full access to StoryMD

Get free access to in-depth articles and track your personal health.

Create Free Account Sign In

Share with others

Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is cancer of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Learn how to lower your risk and about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment for uterine cancer.

Copy Link