Health A to Z

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Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer or womb cancer is a term to describe the cancers of the uterus or womb. There are two types of uterine cancer—endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. The cancer treatment often involves a hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus.

  • Endometrial cancer might develop in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and it is one of the most common uterus cancers affecting the reproductive system.
  • Uterine sarcoma develops in the uterus muscle wall, called the myometrium, a rare type of cancer.

Uterine cancer symptoms

The primary symptoms of womb cancer can include:

  • Post menopause bleeding
  • Unusually heavy period
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Vaginal discharge changes
  • Swelling or lump in the abdomen or between hip bones
  • Lower back pain or pain between the hip bones
  • Pain during sex
  • Blood in the urine

  

Uterine cancer causes

Uterine cancer symptoms

People with a womb can develop womb cancer, including women, trans, intersex people, and non-binary people. People who had womb removal (hysterectomy) cannot develop womb cancer. Having an increased level of a hormone called oestrogen can raise the chances of developing cancer. You might have a high level of oestrogen, if:

  • You are overweight
  • You are under hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Never given birth
  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Undergone menopause only after the age of 55 

Other reasons to develop womb cancer:

  • Diabetes
  • Genetic
  • Inherited Lynch syndrome, a rare gene
  • Under certain medications like Tamoxifen
  • Underwent radiotherapy on your pelvis 

Womb cancer treatments

The treatments for womb cancer will depend on:

  • Size of the cancer
  • The exact location of the cancer
  • The spread
  • Your overall general health

The treatments will include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Hormone therapy

If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our online doctor consultation free, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022