What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer forms in the hollow, muscular organ in the female reproductive system where a fetus grows during pregnancy. There are several types of uterine cancer based on how the cells appear under the microscope.
Types of uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer is the most common types of uterine cancer. It forms from cells in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is most often diagnosed after a woman starts experiencing symptoms. Symptoms may include unusual bleeding, non-bloody vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, a mass, or unexplained weight loss.
- Uterine sarcoma is a rare cancer that forms in the muscles of the uterus or tissues that support the uterus. The most common sign of uterine sarcoma is abnormal bleeding.
More information about uterine cancer (National Cancer Institute)
What uterine cancer is not
Although the cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus, cervical cancer and uterine cancer are two different types of cancer. Cancers that start in the cervix and then spread to the uterus are also different from cancers that start in the body of the uterus. Each gynecologic cancer has different symptoms, outlooks, and treatments.
Diagnosis
It’s possible that you could have one or more of the following tests (not all of these will apply to your condition):
- Biopsy (endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy or dilation and curettage)
- Imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
- Medical history and physical exam
Treatment
Depending on your unique set of conditions and how far the disease has spread, your treatment could include one or more of the following treatments (not all of these will apply to your condition):
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trial
- Follow-up care including imaging, lab tests, and physical exams
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Your full team of care providers will work closely together to review your diagnostic tests and identify the best course of treatment particular to you. Your team will help you understand your diagnosis and what to expect with any treatment you have.