Uterine cancer

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the uterus. The uterus is a small, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis, where fetal development occurs. Uterine cancer can refer to several types of cancer, with endometrial cancer being the most common type. Other types of cancers can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common.

Types of Uterine Cancer

There are two main types of uterine cancer:

• Endometrial cancer: This type of cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common.

• Uterine sarcoma: This is a rare type of uterine cancer that forms in the muscle and tissue that support the uterus.

Symptoms

Uterine cancer symptoms may include:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding between periods
• An abnormal, watery or blood-tinged discharge from your vagina
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse

Causes

It's not clear what causes uterine cancer. However, in some cases, changes in the DNA within cells cause them to become cancerous. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes — the instructions for how our cells function. Some DNA changes can be inherited, but most occur randomly during a person's lifetime.

Risk Factors

Factors that can increase the risk of uterine cancer include:

• Changes in the balance of female hormones in the body
• Older age
• Obesity
• Women who have never been pregnant
• Menopause beginning at an older age
• A history of endometrial polyps or other conditions that increase the risk of endometrial cancer

Prevention

To reduce the risk of uterine cancer, you can:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Consider taking birth control pills
• Consider using an intrauterine device
• Limit the number of years you take hormone therapy

See Also

• Cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Uterine sarcoma
• Menopause
• Obesity

Uterine cancer Resources
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