Complete Care for Endometrial Cancer and Other Uterine Cancers
Uterine cancer is cancer of the uterus (womb). We understand the challenges involved if you have uterine cancer or your provider suspects that you do. You need advanced care from a team of experts who know what it takes to treat these conditions. And that’s what you’ll get at St. Luke’s Center for Cancer Care.
We’re accredited by the Commission on Cancer for our dedication to quality care and patient outcomes. Our care is at the same level as larger centers, but we usually can see you sooner. We participate in a wide range of clinical trials to provide patients access to treatments not widely available elsewhere. We offer quick appointments and same-day collaborations among our doctors. Our providers participate in regular tumor boards, where they work together on patients’ care plans to ensure we offer the best possible care. And we coordinate your appointments so you can get the care you need and get back to your life faster.
Types of Uterine Cancer We Treat
There are two main types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer, which develops in the endometrium (the uterus’s inner lining)
- Uterine sarcoma, which develops in the myometrium (the uterus’s muscle wall)
Endometrial cancer accounts for most uterine cancer cases. Uterine sarcoma is very rare.
How We Diagnose Uterine Cancer
We may perform one or more of the following tests to determine whether you have uterine cancer:
- Blood tests: We’ll measure for a type of protein called CA-125, which can be a sign of cancer
- Endometrial biopsy (a test in which we use a thin, flexible tube to take a sample of cells from the endometrium in the uterus)
- Hysteroscopy: Your doctor will use a hysteroscope (a long, thin tube with a light and camera) to see the uterus
- Imaging tests: Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and transvaginal ultrasound (a test in which we insert a probe into the vagina that uses sound to create pictures of the uterus) can let us see the uterus and its tissues
- Pelvic exam: Your doctor will examine the inside of the vagina and cervix for signs of cancer
If you have uterine cancer, we’ll find out what kind you have, as well as its stage. This lets us decide on the best treatment options. The stages of uterine cancer are:
- Stage 1: The cancer cells are only in the uterus
- Stage 2: Cancer cells have spread to the cervix
- Stage 3: Cancer cells have spread to the vagina, ovaries and/or lymph nodes
- Stage 4: Cancer cells have spread to the rectum, the bladder or other areas of the body
Our Uterine Cancer Treatment Options
Surgery
If you have uterine cancer, you likely will need surgery to remove the cancerous cells. Most people with uterine cancer need a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). We offer both minimally invasive and traditional open hysterectomy surgery. Minimally invasive surgery usually involves less pain and faster recovery after the procedure. You and your doctor will work together to decide which option is right for you.
Your surgery may also include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes and removal of some lymph nodes to make sure we remove all the cancerous cells. If we have to remove your ovaries, you will go through menopause (the end of menstrual cycles, or periods) if you haven’t already. You also will no longer be able to get pregnant.
Other Uterine Cancer Treatments
In addition to surgery, your doctor may recommend some or all of the following as part of your treatment plan:
- Medication therapy , including chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy to cut the cancer off from the hormones it needs to grow
- Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight the cancer
- Targeted therapies to keep cancer cells from multiplying
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The symptoms of uterine cancer can look like symptoms of other conditions, which is why it’s important to get tested if you or your provider suspects that you could have uterine cancer. The signs of uterine cancer can include:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods if you haven’t gone through menopause
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting if you’ve gone through menopause
- Pain in the lower abdomen (belly)
- Cramps in the pelvis
Uterine Cancer Risk Factors
There are many factors that can influence your risk of developing uterine cancer, such as:
- Age: Most women with uterine cancer are older than 50
- Diabetes
- Early periods or late menopause: If you started your periods before 12 or went through menopause later than 50, increased exposure to estrogen over your lifetime could increase your risk
- Family history of uterine cancer
- History of Lynch syndrome (a genetic condition that can increase your risk for several types of cancer)
- Never having been pregnant
- Obesity: People with obesity have higher levels of estrogen, which can cause the endometrial cells in the uterus to grow abnormally
- Ovarian diseases, including ovarian cancer