About uterine cancer and endometrial cancer
Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, with more than 65,000 people diagnosed each year. If you've been diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer, you deserve experienced care and access to the most advanced treatments available.
Penn Medicine treats more people with uterine and endometrial cancer than any other center in the region. This high volume means you will receive experienced care from a dedicated team of specialists.
What is uterine and endometrial cancer?
Uterine cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the uterus (womb). There are two primary types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer, which is more common, and uterine sarcoma, which is rare. The biggest difference between cancers that form in the uterus is in the type of cancer, not the location.
Types of uterine and endometrial cancer
- Endometrioid adenocarcinoma. This is the most common form of uterine and endometrial cancer. It forms in the glands of the endometrium and varies in severity.
- Uterine papillary serous carcinoma. This is an aggressive yet more rare form of uterine and endometrial cancer that forms in the lining of the uterus. It tends to return, even when caught early.
- Uterine clear cell carcinoma. This is an even more rare form, making up fewer than 5 percent of cases.
- Uterine carcinosarcoma. This is another rare yet typically more aggressive form of uterine and endometrial cancer. It makes up fewer than 5 percent of cases.
- Uterine sarcoma. Uterine sarcoma develops in the muscle wall of the uterus, also called the myometrium. Fewer than 10 percent of uterine cancer cases are uterine sarcoma. Uterine sarcomas are often more aggressive than other types of uterine cancer.
Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer and endometrial cancer
Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of uterine cancer and its two major forms: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. It is found in 75 to 90 percent of cases. Contact your gynecologist if you experience vaginal bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods or after menopause.
Symptoms of uterine cancer
You should also notify your gynecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pressure (a feeling of fullness) or pain in the pelvis (abdomen)
- Pain during sex
- A mass or growth in the vagina
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Constipation or difficulty urinating
These symptoms also can be caused by conditions other than uterine cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine their cause and to begin a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you.
If you have been diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer, Penn Medicine offers the most advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
Why choose Penn for uterine cancer and endometrial cancer care?
As a world leader in cancer care and research, Penn Medicine offers cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials for uterine cancer, with a foundation in patient-centered care. Our collaborative approach to uterine cancer treatment brings together some of the most experienced specialists in the region. Our cancer care focuses on both physical and emotional well-being to provide the best outcomes possible.
Penn Medicine is a high-volume cancer center, meaning that we treat a large number of people with cancer. In particular, we are a high-volume center for uterine and endometrial cancer, treating more people than any other cancer center in the region. Studies show that treatment at a high-volume cancer center increases the odds of survival.
Uterine sarcoma is a very rare cancer, but Penn Medicine has a team of sarcoma experts available to treat it. Our sarcoma specialists collaborate with other members of the oncology care team to create a unique, research-informed uterine sarcoma treatment plan for every patient.
We have a dedicated faculty that focuses on uterine and endometrial cancer.
These specialists collaborate with every part of a patient’s care team to create a unique treatment plan for each patient, in particular those with complex health needs.
Every week, our team meets to discuss patients and to allow our oncologists to collaborate in providing the best care possible. This highly integrated care is available at many Penn Medicine locations, so that high-quality care can be accessed by people throughout the region.
Our gynecologic cancer specialists work with Penn Fertility Care specialists to create customized uterine cancer treatment plans that can help you build a family after cancer treatment. This is often called a “fertility sparing approach” or “medical management of cancer.”
Frequently asked questions about uterine cancer and endometrial cancer
Exposure to the hormone estrogen, either naturally or through estrogen-only hormone replacement treatments for menopause, raises the risk of developing uterine cancer.
Because uterine sarcomas are so rare, not much is known about its risk factors.
Talk to a gynecologist about your personal uterine cancer risk.
The average five-year relative survival rate for uterine cancer is 81.2 percent.
Total hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, is the most common first step in treating uterine cancer.
Your care team will develop a customized uterine cancer treatment plan to address any additional care needed to manage your cancer and prevent it from coming back.
Penn Medicine is a national leader in minimally invasive surgery and performs a high number of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries for uterine cancer.
Minimally invasive surgeries can result in shorter recovery times, less pain and fewer complications than traditional, open surgeries.
Pap tests are not used to detect uterine cancer. If you are concerned about your uterine cancer risk, talk to a gynecologist.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
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A grateful patient pays it forward to treat uterine cancers
Dalia Jakas credits her doctor with curing her uterine cancer without harming her quality of life. Now, she’s paying it forward for future patients.