Uterine cancer starts in the uterus, often in the lining. It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system.
What is uterine cancer?
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis where a baby can grow during pregnancy. Uterine cancer most often begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This is the same lining that is shed once a month during menses, or periods. This type of uterine cancer is called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer. Less often, cancer begins in the muscle of the uterus; this is called uterine sarcoma and is different than uterine or endometrial cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that uterine cancer affects around 69,000 women a year, and it is increasing in frequency.
With our Gynecological Oncology team, you're not alone after your uterine cancer diagnosis. Our team provides women with personalized, sophisticated, and compassionate care every step of the way. You will meet with a team of physicians who offer the most rigorous treatment options in the region, so you receive an effective treatment plan to treat your cancer.
AHN Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence
The AHN Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence is a specialized center dedicated to the comprehensive care of women with gynecologic cancers and complex gynecologic conditions. We focus on cancer care from diagnosis to treatment to ringing the bell. We collaborate with specialists through cancer center for customized treatment plans and exceptional care.
Why choose AHN for uterine cancer treatment?
At the AHN Cancer Institute, you can expect patient-centric, advanced care. You meet with your devoted oncology team who reviews every aspect of your diagnosis and discusses a treatment plan with you. We begin treatment right away. We continue to meet regularly throughout your treatment to monitor your progress and change the treatment approach, if necessary. Our approach to care includes robust support services to treat the whole person, such as support groups and palliative care. At the Cancer Institute, you can expect:
- Patient-centered care: We meet with you and your family to discuss the details of your treatment plan, so you feel confident and informed. You'll see the same team of physicians throughout your care. Your doctors get to know you, your support system, and your personal preferences. We also offer robust support services to keep you living the best quality of life during treatment.
- Sophisticated treatment: Your specific treatment will largely depend on how far the cancer has spread. We offer an array of options to stop the cancer in its tracks. Treatments include minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery or chemotherapy and radiation if your cancer needs this additional treatment.
- Access to clinical trials: Our patients can work with their care team to find and participate in a clinical trial. This access keeps our patients at the forefront of the latest treatment options.
Uterine cancer symptoms and signs
The signs and symptoms of uterine cancer can be similar to other health issues that many people experience. Talking with your doctor about any health issues or concerns is the best way to finds issues before they become more serious. Uterine cancer is often easier to treat when it’s found earlier. Symptoms and signs of uterine cancer can include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Heavier or longer periods than usual
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge that is an abnormal color that has a bad smell
- Pelvic pain or a persistent pain in your lower belly
- Pain during intercourse
- Unexplained weight loss or losing weight without trying
Causes and risk factors
While the exact causes aren't fully understood, uterine cancer usually happens when cells in the uterus lining (endometrium) develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations cause cells to grow and multiply out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. There are some risk factors that can increase the chance of developing uterine cancer. Having risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll get uterine cancer, but it does increase your chances. Here are some of the main risk factors:
- Age: Uterine cancer is more common after menopause.
- Excess estrogen: This causes the endometrium grow. If there's too much estrogen without enough progesterone to balance it, the endometrium can thicken, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Early period/late menopause: Starting periods early (before age 12) or going through menopause late increases exposure to estrogen.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can cause high estrogen levels.
- Obesity: Obesity increases estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of developing uterine cancer.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes have a higher risk.
- Number of pregnancies: Women who have never been pregnant have a higher risk.
- Infertility: Having trouble getting pregnant can be linked to hormone imbalances.
- Family history: Having a family history of uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer can increase your risk.
- Lynch syndrome: This inherited condition increases the risk of several cancers, including uterine cancer.
- Tamoxifen: This drug, used to treat breast cancer, can sometimes increase the risk of uterine cancer, although the benefits of taking tamoxifen usually outweigh the risks.
Uterine cancer screening and diagnosis
Our oncology team has deep experience diagnosing uterine cancer. AHN offers the latest testing options, including biopsies and transvaginal ultrasounds, to obtain a rapid, precise diagnosis. Cancer specialists have the expertise to get you the right diagnosis so you can begin treatment. Often, we diagnose uterine cancer through examining your uterine lining for abnormal cells. Initial tests for uterine cancer include:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: We gently insert a rounded ultrasound probe into your vagina. It uses sound waves to create an image of your uterus and ovaries so we can look for any abnormal growths.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): In this minor operation, we open the cervix so that we can scrape the cervical canal and uterine lining with a spoon-shaped instrument (curette) for a tissue sample. We then examine the tissue under a microscope for abnormal cells.
- In-office endometrial biopsy: This procedure involves removing a small amount of tissue to examine under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Once we have confirmed a diagnosis, a team of experts reviews your results and develops a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Treatment options include surgery (including robotic surgery), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Types and stages of uterine cancer
Having an understanding of the types and stages of uterine cancer can help you feel more confident when talking with your AHN care team. We are here to help answer any questions and help you navigate your diagnosis.
Endometrial carcinoma
The most common type of uterine cancer starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It often develops when there are changes in the balance of hormones in the body, particularly an excess of estrogen. There are several subtypes of endometrial carcinoma, but the most common ones are:
- Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of endometrial cancer. It starts in gland cells of the endometrium.
- Subtypes include:
- Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of adenocarcinoma and is often linked to estrogen exposure.
- Serous carcinoma: This is a more aggressive type of adenocarcinoma.
- Clear cell carcinoma: This is another less common, but potentially aggressive, type.
- Other less common types: Mucinous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma.
- Subtypes include:
Uterine sarcoma
A rare cancer, uterine sarcoma begins in the muscle or supporting tissues of the uterus. The exact causes of uterine sarcoma are not well understood. There are two main types of uterine sarcoma:
- Leiomyosarcoma: This type develops from the muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium).
- Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma (ESS): This type develops from the connective tissue of the endometrium. There are also high-grade undifferentiated sarcomas.
Once the type of uterine cancer has been determined, your doctor will stage the disease. Staging tells you how far the cancer has spread. It helps doctors plan the best treatment. The staging of uterine cancer includes:
- Stage 1: The cancer is only in the uterus. It hasn't spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Stage 1 uterine cancer is often treated with surgery (hysterectomy, removal of the uterus).
- Stage 2: The cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina).
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix, but not to distant organs. May have spread to lymph nodes or nearby tissues like the vagina or ovaries.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs, like the bladder, rectum, or lungs.
Uterine cancer treatment
The specialists at the Cancer Institute treat uterine cancer using the latest technologies. If your cancer requires additional treatment approaches, we use a collaborative and efficient approach to coordinate with other cancer providers.
Often, we can treat uterine cancer using robotic surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Our goal is to treat the cancer in the most minimally invasive, effective way possible.
Chemotherapy
These medicines directly kill cancer cells, much like antibiotics kill bacteria. Because these medicines can damage normal cells, side effects can occur. They might include hair loss, nausea, or lowered blood counts. Fortunately, the body’s normal cells are more resilient and recover much better than cancer cells, so the side effects are usually temporary. We monitor you carefully and calculate your dose of chemotherapy to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. Our oncology social workers and Navigation Team are available to answer questions and provide support.
Robotic surgery
Most commonly, endometrial cancer is diagnosed and treated by performing a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus. We use a sophisticated robotic surgical system that enables surgeons to make delicate, small incisions and access hard-to-reach areas. It is less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery time, and fewer complications, including blood transfusion.
Radiation therapy
Our radiation oncology specialists are specifically trained in gynecologic cancer treatment, so they’re adept at treating uterine cancer powerfully and efficiently. Our radiation oncology network is the only one in western Pennsylvania accredited by both the American Society for Radiation Oncology and American College of Radiology. These accreditations mean that the Cancer Institute meets specific guidelines for patient safety, quality control, and efficiency of equipment.
Clinical trials
Our oncology team meets monthly to discuss the newest clinical trials, ensuring you have access to the latest treatment options.
Fertility preservation for women with uterine cancer
Treatments for uterine cancer can affect your ability to conceive and carry a child. If you wish to preserve your fertility, your oncology team can connect you with AHN’s fertility treatment specialists and high-risk pregnancy doctors. Fertility-sparing treatment options at AHN include:
- Egg banking: Freezing (cryopreservation) of unfertilized eggs for later use in conception.
- Embryo banking: Freezing (cryopreservation) of fertilized embryos for later use in conception.
Uterine cancer FAQs
A uterine cancer diagnosis can feel very overwhelming. AHN is here to help you feel confident in your knowledge about the disease, and your AHN care team is your go-to resource to answer any questions you may have. To help get you started and give you some background, we’ve compiled some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions.
Is uterine cancer curable?
Yes, uterine cancer is often curable, especially when it's found and treated early. The earlier the stage at diagnosis, the higher the chances of successful treatment and cure. Treatment options like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy can be very effective, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
How fast does uterine cancer grow?
The growth rate of uterine cancer varies depending on the type. Endometrioid carcinoma, the most common type, tends to grow more slowly. More aggressive types like serous or clear cell carcinoma can grow more quickly and spread more rapidly. Individual factors also play a role, so it's difficult to predict the exact growth rate in any specific case.
What is the survival rate for uterine cancer?
Survival rates are statistics that show the percentage of people with a specific type and stage of cancer who are alive a certain number of years after diagnosis (usually five years). Keep in mind that survival rates are estimates and don't predict what will happen in any individual's case. Factors like overall health, treatment response, and the specific characteristics of the cancer all influence survival.
- Overall five-year survival rate: For all stages of uterine cancer combined, the five-year survival rate is around 80 – 90%.
- Stage 1: When the cancer is only in the uterus, the 5-year survival rate is often 95% or higher.
- Later stages: Survival rates are lower for more advanced stages where the cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
What is the most common age for uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer is most commonly diagnosed after menopause. The average age at diagnosis is around 60. It is less common in those under 40, but it can occur at any age.
Contact us
Call (412) 578-HOPE 412-578-4673 to speak with an AHN Cancer Institute scheduling coordinator, schedule your appointment online, or connect with a nurse navigator.
Second opinions
If you want a second opinion regarding a cancer diagnosis, treatment options, or prognosis, our team of oncology specialists can review your medical records at AHN. To get started, fill out our Second Opinion Request form. Our Navigation Team will contact you within the next 24-48 hours to discuss next steps and schedule.
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