Uterine cancer occurs in the uterus when healthy cells change and grow out of control. There are two main types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus. It is one of the most common gynecologic cancers and the most common type of uterine cancer. Uterine sarcoma develops in the muscle of the uterus and is rare.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uterine cancer is more likely to occur in women who have already gone through menopause. About 66,000 new cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. This is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs.
In this Q&A, Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System, answers frequently asked questions about uterine cancer relating to risk factors, prevention, and treatment options.
What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?
Postmenopausal bleeding is the hallmark symptom of endometrial cancer. It is important to know that bleeding after menopause is never normal. Symptoms of endometrial cancer before menopause include heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods. Other common symptoms include pelvic pain or pressure, changes in urination, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse. With uterine sarcomas, you may have unusual bleeding or you may have symptoms similar to fibroids, such as a mass or pressure in your pelvis.
Is there a relationship between hormonal imbalances and uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancers are associated with hormonal imbalances, specifically the most common type of endometrial cancers. They are caused by having more estrogen relative to progesterone.
Are there any other risk factors?
Some of the risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
- Obesity
- Never having had children
- Taking estrogen without enough progesterone, or taking unopposed estrogen, which is just estrogen alone
- Taking tamoxifen, which people take for breast cancer
Additionally, there are genes that predispose you to endometrial cancer. These are genes associated with Lynch syndrome mainly.
Can uterine cancer be prevented?
Uterine cancer can be prevented with birth control pills and by hysterectomy. IUDs with progesterone can also prevent cervical cancer.
What are the treatment options?
There are many treatment options for endometrial cancer. These include surgery, hormonal treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other targeted treatments. There has been much progress in this area. Everyone with cancer is different and requires a different treatment plan. At Mount Sinai, we have experienced specialists and a multidisciplinary team working together to provide the very best treatment plan and individualized care for our patients.