Uterine cancer
If cancer of the uterus is found and treated early, you have a good chance of getting better.
Click on the headings below to learn more.
The uterus (also called the womb) is the place in a woman’s body where a baby grows.
The uterus is made up of mostly muscle with an inner lining called the endometrium.
The female reproductive system
This type of cancer can also be called uterine cancer, womb cancer or endometrial cancer.
The cancer can develop from abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) or the muscle tissue.
Most cancers of the uterus (about 8 in 10) begin in the lining of the uterus. These are called endometrial cancers. The rare types of uterine cancer that begin in the muscle of the uterus include:
- endometrial stromal sarcoma
- leiomyosarcoma
- undifferentiated sarcoma.
You can have cancer of the uterus without noticing anything is wrong. The most common warning sign is unusual bleeding from the vagina.
Common tests used to find cancer of the uterus include:
- an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries (transvaginal ultrasound)
- a biopsy using an instrument called a hysteroscopy, which allows the doctor to see inside your uterus and to take a small tissue sample.
The test results will tell the doctor what type of cancer of the uterus you have, and if the cancer has spread (the stage). This information helps the doctors decide what treatment you need.
Stage 1 – the cancer is found only in the uterus
Stage 2 – the cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix
Stage 3 – the cancer has spread beyond the uterus/cervix to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina or nearby lymph nodes
Stage 4 – the cancer has spread to the inside of the bladder or rectum, or to other parts of the body
There are different treatments for cancer of the uterus. You may have one or more of these treatments.
- Surgery – this is the most common treatment. There are two types of operations:
• Hysterectomy – removes the uterus (womb) and cervix
• Bilateral salpingo oophorectomy – removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and both ovaries - Radiation therapy – uses x-rays to kill or damage the cancer cells if they have spread to the pelvis
- Hormone treatments – injections or tablets that slow hormone growth in the body, which can make the cancer grow
- Chemotherapy – uses drugs to kill or damage the cancer cells
Treatment for cancer of the uterus can cause problems. Some of the common ones include:
- Feeling tired – this can last for months
- Menopause – periods stop and you can’t have a baby
- Lymphoedema – swelling of part of the body, like the leg
It is normal for you and your family to have lots of different feelings right now. Talking with your doctor, nurse or health care professional will help answer any questions you may have.
Depending on where you live, you might need to travel for treatment. You can get help to pay for travel and accommodation.
