There are several types of uterine cancer, and they are distinguished by the part of the uterus they affect.  The uterus is a hollow female organ located within the pelvis, also known in layman’s terms as the womb. When a woman becomes pregnant, the uterus is the site of development for the baby until it is time to give birth.  You can think of the uterus as a hollowed out, upside-down pear. Types of uterine cancer include endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the innermost lining of the uterus, and sees abnormal changes in the surface cells of the endometrium.  Endometrial cancer is currently the most common female reproductive organ cancer. 

Uterine sarcoma, on the other hand, is a more rare type of cancer that grows in the outer layer of muscle of the uterine wall or connective tissues of the uterus. Among the 43,500 cases of uterine cancer diagnosed annually in the Unites States, uterine cancer only accounts for 1,200 cases.  This means less than 4% of all uterine cancers are uterine sarcomas.  As with other types of uterine cancer, those with uterine sarcoma may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unusual vaginal discharge.   Some women will also experience bleeding between periods, frequent urination, and pressure in the pelvis, especially early on.  As the disease progresses, pain and weight loss may be associated with uterine sarcoma as well. 

Research has found that most uterine cancer is slow growing, but this is not true for all cases.  The best treatment, therefore for uterine cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer itself – as well as taking risk factors and underlying disease into account.  For example someone with advanced disease will not get the same treatment as someone with low risk early stage cancer uterine cancer. Any type of uterine treatment (whether surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy usually) works best when the cancer is found in its early stages. In general, endometrial cancer is more easily managed through treatment than the rarer, uterine sarcoma.  In any case, if found early the cure rate remains high for uterine cancers.  Intermittent vaginal bleeding is not always a sign of cancer, and can be a sign of many different things.   But being cautious and aware of abnormal signs and symptoms is important. This is especially true with cancers, as early detection saves lives. 

Uterine Cancer Quick Facts:

• Uterine Cancer risk factors:

o    family history

o    obesity

o    women with endometrial overgrowth (hyperplasia)

o    women who have never had children

o    menses beginning before age 12

o    menopause after age 55

o    estrogen therapy

o    prescription breast cancer drug, Tamoxifen

o    radiation to the pelvis

o    Lynch syndrome 

• Signs and symptoms:

o    abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

o    pain with urination and sex

o    pelvic pain

o    Abdominal swelling

·         Treatment:

Treatments depend on the case, severity of the uterine cancer, and the type of uterine cancer which has developed.  Generally, treatments include:

o    Hysterectomy, surgery to remove the uterus

o    Radiation therapy

o    Chemotherapy

o    Hormone therapy