Uterine Cancer

What Is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, the hollow organ in the pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy. The most common type is endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus. Less common types include uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscle wall of the uterus. Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of uterine cancer include:

• Older age, especially after menopause
• Obesity
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles or infertility
• Never having been pregnant
• Use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after menopause
• Family history of uterine, ovarian or colon cancer
• Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
• Prior radiation therapy to the pelvis

Symptoms

Uterine cancer often produces early warning signs, making timely evaluation important. Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause or heavier than usual)
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Vaginal discharge that is watery, pink or blood-tinged
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue in more advanced stages

Treatment

At AtlantiCare, uterine cancer care is guided by gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse navigators and supportive care providers.

Treatment options may include:

• Surgery – most often a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), sometimes with removal of fallopian tubes, ovaries and nearby lymph nodes; minimally invasive and robotic-assisted approaches may be available
• Radiation therapy – external beam radiation or brachytherapy to treat remaining cancer cells after surgery or for patients not eligible for surgery
• Medical oncology – chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy depending on the type and stage of cancer
• Clinical trials – access to emerging treatments through AtlantiCare’s affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute

Prevention

While not all cases are preventable, steps that may lower the risk of uterine cancer include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Using birth control pills, which may reduce risk in some women
• Managing health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Seeking genetic counseling if you have a family history of Lynch syndrome or other hereditary cancers
• Discussing hormone therapy options carefully with your doctor after menopause