Endometrial Cancer
Learn more about endometrial cancer and how it is treated.
Overview
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is the most common type of gynaecologic cancer.
Endometrial cancer is often diagnosed early since it can cause noticeable symptoms such as bleeding and pelvic pain. It is easier to treat when found early.
Types of endometrial cancer
Endometrioid adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas are cancers that start in the glands that line organs. They can show up in different parts of the body. In endometrial cancer, adenocarcinomas start in the lining of the uterus.
The vast majority endometrial cancer cases are endometrioid adenocarcinomas. They grow more slowly than other cancers and usually have a better prognosis.
Other types
Some other types of endometrial cancer that grow and spread more quickly than endometrioid adenocarcinomas. These include:
- Carcinosarcoma
- Clear cell adenocarcinoma
- Serous adenocarcinoma
- Undifferentiated carcinoma
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include:
- Bleeding between periods (spotting)
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Pelvic pain
- Pain when urinating
- Unexplained weight loss
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have endometrial cancer. These symptoms are common to many conditions.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of endometrial cancer, there are several tests used to make a diagnosis.
Pelvic exam
During a pelvic exam, a physician examines the vagina and cervix. The physician will also feel the uterus and ovaries to check for growths or tender spots.
Endometrial biopsy
The physician may use a thin tube and a small brush to take a sample of the endometrium. This tissue sample is examined under a microscope in a laboratory to check for cancer cells.
Medical imaging
A transvaginal ultrasound is often used to help diagnose endometrial cancer. During the ultrasound, a probe is inserted into the vagina to examine the uterus and ovaries. Other imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray may also be used.
Pap test
Pap tests do not screen for endometrial cancer, but they can sometimes detect an abnormal endometrium and test for cervical cancer.
Cancer staging
If cancer is found, the next step is to determine the stage. Knowing the stage cancer helps your care team develop your treatment plan. Physicians determine the stage based on the size and location of the tumour, whether cancer cells are in the lymph nodes and whether there are cancer cells in other parts of the body.
Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, your Cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. We will help you weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.
Treatment options for endometrial cancer depend on the cancer type and the stage of your disease.
Surgery is the most common treatment for endometrial cancer. In most cases, our gynaecologic surgeons can perform minimally invasive surgery using the latest technology.
Some people may need a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to treat endometrial cancer.
Clinical trials
You may be able to participate in a research study to help physicians and researchers find ways to improve treatments and quality of life for patients living with endometrial cancer.