Endometrial Cancer
- Students vs. Pandemics
- May 16
- 4 min read
By Jargalan Chinbat
Outline:
Overview
Symptoms
Causes and Risk factors
Diagnosis and Stages
Treatment and Prevention
References
Endometrial Cancer
Overview
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that refers to the abnormal overgrowth of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb). While etiology of endometrial cancer remains unknown, an increased level of estrogen hormone may play a role in the buildup of the lining of the uterus (1). It is the most prevalent uterine cancer, and about 66,200 new cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, accounting for 3.4% of all new cancer cases (2).
Symptoms
Signs of endometrial cancer include:
Vaginal bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods).
Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Difficult or painful urination.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Pain in the pelvic area (3).
Risk Factors
Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease is a risk factor. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
Age: Older people are at higher risk of developing this type of cancer (2). Most cases occur between the ages of 60 and 70 (1).
Obesity: People who are overweight have higher levels of estrogen which can overstimulate the cells lining the uterus to grow abnormally (2).
Early menstruation or late menopause: People who start menstruation before age 12, or go into menopause later in life than usual, are more likely to develop endometrial cancer. This is because more menstrual periods expose the uterine lining to more estrogen hormones (2).
Genetics: A family history of endometrial cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) increases the risk (3).
Hormonal changes: Changes in the balance of estrogen and progesterone can affect the endometrium, making cancer more likely to develop. Conditions that affect ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and diabetes, can also change hormone levels and heighten the risk (2).
Hormonal therapy for breast cancer: Taking hormone therapy (tamoxifen) for breast cancer can increase the risk of endometrial cancer (2).
Diagnosis and Stages
Due to distinguishable symptoms, endometrial cancer can often be detected at an earlier stage, increasing the chance of recovery. There are currently no early detection endometrial cancer screenings, but if there are symptoms, a gynecologist may use tests to establish the diagnosis (2). As the cancer begins inside the uterus, internal exams are often required:
Pelvic exams: A doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and presses on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This is done to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries, which can help identify a problem (3).
Transvaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the vagina which sends sound waves to view the uterus and ovaries in detail. This allows the doctor to look at the thickness of the uterine lining or to look at tumors inside the uterus (2).
Endometrial sampling (biopsy): The removal of tissue from the endometrium, using a small brush or a flexible tube. Cells are scraped from the endometrium and sent to a pathologist, who will check for cancer cells (2).
If cancer is found, imaging tests may be done to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. Stages of endometrial cancer are (1):
Stage 1: The cancer is only in the uterus.
Stage 2: The cancer is in the uterus and cervix.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread outside of the uterus, but not beyond the true pelvis area. Cancer may involve the lymph nodes in the pelvis or near the aorta.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to the inner surface of the bowel, bladder, abdomen, or other organs.
Cancer is also described as grade 1, 2, or 3 in which grade 1 is the least and grade 3 is the most aggressive. Aggressive means that the cancer grows and spreads quickly (1).
Treatment and Prevention
Some of the common treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (1). Surgery to remove the uterus may be done in women with early stage 1 cancer. The surgeon may also remove the tubes and ovaries.
Surgery combined with radiation therapy is another treatment option which is often used for women with stage 1 disease that has a high chance of returning, has spread to the lymph nodes, or is a grade 2 or 3, and stage 2 disease.
Chemotherapy or hormonal therapy may be considered in some cases, most often for those with stage 3 and 4 disease.
There is no effective screening test for endometrial cancer. Women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone therapy or tamoxifen for more than 2 years should be followed closely by their providers. Frequent pelvic exams, Papanicolaou (Pap) smears, vaginal ultrasounds, and endometrial biopsy may be considered in some cases. The risk for endometrial cancer can be reduced by maintaining a normal weight and using birth control pills for over a year (1).
References
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. Endometrial Cancer; [reviewed 2024 Mar 31; cited 2025 Mar 16]; [about 6 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000910.htm
Stewart, K. (n.d.). Endometrial Cancer. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometrial-cancer
National Cancer Institute. (2020, November 13). Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/patient/endometrial-treatment-pdq
This post is not a substitute for professional advice. If you believe that you may be experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your primary care physician, or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Results from ongoing research is constantly evolving. This post contains information that was last updated on May 16, 2025.
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