Uterine Cancer (Corpus Uteri, Endometrial Cancer)

The most common type of cancer of the uterus begins in the lining, or endometrium, reports the National Cancer Institute. It is called endometrial cancer, uterine cancer or cancer of the uterus. (There also is uterine sarcoma and cancer of the cervix.)

Women over the age of 50, those who are obese and those who are caucasion have an increased chance of developing uterine cancer. In addition, women with endometrial hyperplasia, a history of colorectal cancer, a family history, those who take Tamoxifen and those who use estrogen without progesterone also increase their risk. Other related factors may include hypertension, polycystic ovarian disease, having never had a baby, infertility, early menstruation and late menopause.

Symptoms

There is no one symptom signaling the onset of uterine cancer. The following is a list of some symptoms that may be a sign.

• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, including in women older than 40: extremely long, heavy or frequent episodes of bleeding
• Difficult or painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain or cramping in the pelvic area

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Regular pelvic exams (beginning at the onset of sexual activity or at the age of 20 if not sexually active) and Pap tests will help detect uterine cancer and enable the person to begin treatment in its early stages.

Treatment

A woman’s age and general health play a role in the treatment decision. The choice of treatment also will depend on the size of the tumor, stage of the disease, tumor grade and if female hormones affect tumor growth.

Most women require surgery (hysterectomy). Other options may include radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a combination of treatments.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.