Uterine cancer occurs when cells begin growing abnormally in the uterus (womb), and it's the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. Almost all cases start in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
There are two main types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer, the most common type
- Uterine sarcomas, very rare and typically affect women between the ages of 60 and 70
Signs You Should Get Help for Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain (usually a symptom of later stages of disease)
- Unexplained weight loss (usually a symptom of later stages of disease)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Heavier than usual vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
While these and other symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, you should consult your doctor to schedule an examination, because it is most treatable in its earlier stages.
If your gynecologist suspects uterine cancer, they may perform an ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy.
Uterine Cancer Treatment at Rush
If you are diagnosed with uterine cancer, our gynecologic oncologists make your quality of life a top priority. They will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan — keeping your urinary function, fertility and sexual function at the top of mind through treatment and beyond.
You also will have the same doctor leading your care team throughout your entire course of treatment — including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, follow-up care and support services.
Your treatment will be based on how far your cancer has spread, your overall health and your preferences and goals.
Your treatment may include the following:
- Surgery (hysterectomy), which may be performed using minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques.
- Radiation therapy, which may occur before or after surgery
- Chemotherapy, which destroys cancer cells and stops their growth
- Hormone therapy, which can be used if you have tumors that need hormones to grow. Lab tests will indicate if you have this kind of tumor.
Rush Excellence in Uterine Cancer Care
- Nationally ranked care: U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the country for gynecology and cancer care.
- Expertise in minimally invasive surgery: Your uterine cancer will be treated by our gynecologic oncologists who are some of the country’s leading laparoscopic and robotic surgeons. Rush was one of the first hospitals in the city to use the da Vinci Surgical System. This advanced surgical technology offers a minimally invasive alternative for complex vaginal cancer surgery, a procedure that means less pain and you can return home the same or next day.
- Caring for you with leading-edge innovation and research: As a principal member of the National Cancer Institute's Gynecology Oncology Group, Rush is at the forefront of gynecological cancer care and research, giving you access to clinical trials and treatments that may not otherwise be available for you.
- Care of the whole person: Because we understand that undergoing cancer treatment impacts you physically and emotionally, we offer complementary therapies that can enhance your care by reducing your mind and body stresses. Our supportive oncology program offers acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, counseling massage therapy, yoga and more.
- Survivorship clinic: Our dedicated team of gynecologic cancer survivorship experts works with you and your care team to develop personalized survivorship care plans that will help you get back to your life and health after cancer.