Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: The Basics

Author: Marisa Healy, BSN, RN

Last Reviewed: September 15, 2023

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, happens when cells in the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) grow out of control. As the number of cells grow, they form a tumor. There are a few types of endometrial cancer:

Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma (75% of all endometrial cancers).
Papillary Serous Adenocarcinoma (10% of all endometrial cancers).
Clear Cell Carcinoma (4% of all endometrial cancers).
Mixed Adenocarcinoma is an endometrial cancer that has features of more than one subtype (10% of all endometrial cancers).
Rare types, including mucinous adenocarcinoma and squamous cell adenocarcinoma (less than 1% of endometrial cancers).

Endometrial cancer that has spread from the endometrium to another part of the body is called metastatic cancer.

Fibroids are called tumors but they are not cancerous (benign).

Risk Factors

Risk factors for endometrial cancer are being an older age, having a high estrogen level (either naturally or from an outside source), obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy, family history of colon cancer or Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC), and a diet high in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables.

Screening

In women with no family history of endometrial cancer, there are no screening guidelines. Women who have Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC), a family member with Lynch Syndrome, or who have a strong family history of colon cancer should get endometrial biopsies every year, starting at age 30-35.

Signs & Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

The early and late stages of endometrial cancer can cause symptoms, like:

Vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women.
Abnormal bleeding (in between periods/heavier or longer periods).
Abnormal vaginal discharge (may smell bad).
Pelvic or back pain.
Pain with urination.
Pain with sex.
Blood in the urine or stool.

Keep in mind these symptoms are not specific to endometrial cancer and may be caused by something else.

Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

The only way to know for sure if a tumor in the endometrium is cancer is to have a biopsy. This can be done in your provider’s office or in an operating room. Your provider will take a sample of cells to be looked at under a microscope. A pathology report goes over these results and is sent to your healthcare provider. This report is an important part of planning your treatment. You can ask for a copy of your report for your records.

A transvaginal ultrasound can also be used to help diagnose cancer. The thickness of the endometrium can be seen with ultrasound. If it appears too thick, cancer may be suspected and a biopsy is done to be sure.

Staging Endometrial Cancer

Surgery is needed to stage endometrial cancer. Your provider may order more testing, such as a CT scan, MRI, chest X-ray, colonoscopy, barium enema or a blood test called CA-125, to see the extent of the cancer. Healthcare providers use two different staging systems for endometrial cancer, called the FIGO system and the TNM system. These systems describe:

The size and location of the tumor.
Whether cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.
Whether cancer cells are found in other areas of the body.

Stages range from stage I (one) to stage IV (four), with a higher stage describing more advanced cancer.

Treatment

Surgery

Surgery is often the treatment choice for endometrial cancer.
Surgery is needed to stage the cancer and, at the same time, to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
A surgeon may also perform a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and bilateral-salpingo-oopherectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes) to make sure there are no cancer cells left behind. After this type of surgery, a woman can no longer have children. In younger women, this surgery is avoided if possible so that they may have the ability to have children in the future.
In advanced cases of endometrial cancer, the surgeon may remove as much cancer as possible to relieve symptoms such as pain, rather than curing the cancer.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy:

Is often used to prevent recurrence (the cancer coming back).
Is often used after surgery.
Can be used in 2 ways: External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy (a radioactive source is placed inside the vagina to deliver the radiation).
May be given with chemotherapy (called chemoradiation).

Chemotherapy

Used in advanced stages or endometrial cancer that has come back after treatment (recurrent).

Hormonal Therapy

Used in advanced stages or endometrial cancer that has come back after treatment (recurrent).

Targeted Therapy

These medications target something specific to the cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

These medications use your own immune system to fight the cancer cells.

This article is a basic guide to endometrial cancer. You can learn more about your type of endometrial cancer and treatment by using the links below.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: Staging and Treatment

Surgical Procedures: Surgical Staging for Endometrial Cancer

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