Definition

Cancer is the out of control growth of cells. Uterine cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the uterus. The walls of the uterus are is made of an inner and outer lining. The endometrium is the inner lining. The myometrium is the muscular, outer lining. The most common type of uterine cancer (adenocarcinoma) begins in the endometrium. Less common cancers called sarcomas, begin in the myometrium.

This fact sheet will focus on endometrial cancer.

Uterine Cancer Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a clump of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. These types of growth, called malignancy, can invade nearby tissues. Cancer that has invaded nearby tissues can then spread to other parts of the body.

Exposure to estrogen seems to have a strong link to uterine cancer. It is not clear exactly what causes cancer cells to develop. It is probably a combination of genetics and environment.

Risk Factors

Uterine cancer is more common in women aged 50-60 years old. Other factors that may increase your chances of uterine cancer:

• Obesity —especially in women experiencing menopause before age 45
• High blood pressure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of abnormal or precancerous cells in the uterus
• Endometrial polyps
• Infertility
• No history of pregnancy
• Early start of menstrual periods
• Late menopause, which lengthens exposure to estrogen
• Diabetes

Symptoms

Uterine cancer may cause:

• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Pain during urination
• Pain during intercourse

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A pelvic exam of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum will be done.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy —tissue samples are examined under a microscope to look for the presence of cancer
• Dilation and curettage (D&C)—procedure to remove a sample of uterine tissue
• Hysteroscopy —a lighted scope with a camera is used to examine the uterus
• Pap test —presence of cancer may indicate it has spread beyond the uterus

The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, uterine cancer is staged from I-IV (1-4). Stage I is a cancer that has stayed in one area, while stage IV cancer is one that has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatments for uterine cancer depend on the stage of the cancer. Options may include:

Prevention

Steps that may help to reduce your chances of uterine cancer include:

• Report any menstrual changes or abnormal bleeding to your doctor.
• Lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you have diabetes, follow your treatment plan.
• Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone-based birth control.
• Breastfeed your baby.