Uterine Cancer

The uterus has two main layers: the endometrium (the inner lining that thickens and sheds with each menstrual cycle) and the myometrium (the muscular outer wall). Most uterine cancers begin in the endometrium and are called endometrial carcinomas. They often produce an early warning sign — abnormal uterine bleeding — which means they are frequently caught at an early, treatable stage.

Risk factors for uterine cancer include prolonged exposure to estrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone, obesity, older age, never having been pregnant, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, and a personal or family history of certain cancers. Some genetic syndromes, particularly Lynch syndrome, significantly increase risk.

Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, and an endometrial biopsy, which is usually done in a clinic setting. Staging involves assessing how deeply the cancer has grown into the uterine wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Treatment most commonly includes surgery — often a hysterectomy — and may also involve radiation, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy depending on the stage and tumor characteristics.

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system in the United States, affecting tens of thousands of women each year. The good news is that because abnormal bleeding is an early and noticeable symptom, many cases are diagnosed when the cancer is still confined to the uterus and highly treatable.

Any postmenopausal bleeding, or unusual bleeding patterns before menopause, warrants a prompt conversation with a healthcare provider. Early evaluation can lead to early detection — and with uterine cancer, catching it early makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.