Uterine and Endometrial Cancers Overview


Overview     |     Diagnosis     |     Treatment


What are Uterine and Endometrial Cancers?

Uterine and endometrial cancers form in the cells that make up the endometrium — the tissue that lines the inner layer of the uterus.

Uterine and endometrial cancers have similar cell types and behaviors and often respond the same to treatment.

These cancers typically develop after menopause, between the ages of 50 and 60.

Types of Uterine and Endometrial Cancers

There are four types of uterine and endometrial cancers.

Adenocarcinoma

  • Cancer that develops in the glands that line the uterus.

Uterine sarcoma

  • A rare cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus.

Leiomyosarcoma

  • A type of uterine sarcoma that forms in the smooth muscle cells of the uterus.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma

  • Tumors that begin in the cells that produce the sex hormones:
    • estrogen
    • progesterone
    • testosterone

Who's at Risk for Uterine and Endometrial Cancers?

Any woman can develop uterine or endometrial cancer, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

  • age over 50
  • diabetes
  • first menstruation (menarche) at an early age
  • endometrial hyperplasia, a precancerous condition
  • a family history of reproductive cancers or colon cancer
  • late menopause
  • obesity or a high-fat diet
  • ovarian diseases, including polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • postmenopausal status
  • having a previous cancer diagnosis
  • taking Tamoxifen — a  drug that affects a woman’s hormones — after breast cancer
  • the use of estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone

» Learn more about gynecologic cancer prevention and screening.

Make an Appointment

Call 1-866-MyMagee to make an appointment or to learn more about the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program.

» Location and directions: Gynecologic Cancer Program.