Endometrial

What is Endometrial Cancer?

"Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs.

Endometrial 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 than endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus surgically often cures endometrial cancer." (Visit Endometrial Cancer,  Mayo Clinic for more information).

Different Types of Endometrial Cancer:

"Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. Because the endometrium is part of the uterus, endometrial cancer is often referred to as uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer (which includes cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vulva, vagina and fallopian tubes).

More than 80 percent of all endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas of the endometrium. This type of cancer forms when cells in the endometrium—the inner lining of the uterus—begin to grow out of control. Endometroid carcinoma accounts for most cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Other types of endometrial cancer include:

Serous adenocarcinoma, which are tumors that are more likely to spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body

Adenosquamous carcinoma, a rare uterine cancer that is similar to endometrial adenocarcinoma and carcinoma of the squamous cells that line the outer layer of the uterus

Uterine carcinosarcoma, which has cancer cells that look like endometrial cancer and sarcoma and has a high risk of spreading to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body" (Visit Uterine cancer types, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, for more information).

Types of Treatments:

"Surgery is the main treatment for most women with this cancer. But in some cases, more than 1 kind of treatment may be used. The choice of treatment depends largely on the type of cancer and stage of the disease when it's found. Other factors could play a part in choosing the best treatment plan. These include your age, your overall state of health, whether you plan to have children, and other personal considerations."

Common Treatments

Visit Treating Endometrial Cancer, American Cancer Society, for more information

Caring For a Loved One with Endometrial Cancer

Caregiving Foundation for Women’s Cancer

The “Tips for Caregivers” section on the Foundation for Women’s Cancer web page offers 10 tips to help you cope with this challenging time, including finding your support system, gathering information, planning for the future, and exploring stress-management techniques.

Sexuality & Intimacy: Your GuideFoundation for Women’s Cancer

"Some treatments for gynecologic cancer can cause side effects that may change the way you feel about your body or make it difficult to enjoy intimate or sexual relationships." The Foundation for Women’s Cancer’s fact sheet on sexuality and intimacy provides patients and caregivers with information about possible treatment side effects and coping methods.

Uterine Cancer – CancerCare

This webpage connects patients and caregivers to a wide variety of useful resources. Caregivers can access community resources, support groups, financial assistance, and more.

Caring For a Loved One with Endometrial Cancer

Caregiving Foundation for Women’s Cancer

The “Tips for Caregivers” section on the Foundation for Women’s Cancer web page offers 10 tips to help you cope with this challenging time, including finding your support system, gathering information, planning for the future, and exploring stress-management techniques.

Sexuality & Intimacy: Your GuideFoundation for Women’s Cancer

"Some treatments for gynecologic cancer can cause side effects that may change the way you feel about your body or make it difficult to enjoy intimate or sexual relationships." The Foundation for Women’s Cancer’s fact sheet on sexuality and intimacy provides patients and caregivers with information about possible treatment side effects and coping methods.

Uterine Cancer – CancerCare

This webpage connects patients and caregivers to a wide variety of useful resources. Caregivers can access community resources, support groups, financial assistance, and more.