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Endometrial Cancer

Learn about what Baptist Cancer Center offers you in terms of leading-edge endometrial cancer treatments.

Endometrial Cancer Explained

Endometrial cancer forms when cells in the inner lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grow uncontrollably. According to the American Cancer Society, endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs in the United States. It mainly affects postmenopausal women over the age of 60.

Endometrial Cancer Treatment Options

Surgery for endometrial cancer is often paired with hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It’s important to discuss all options with your doctors and family to make the best treatment decision for your needs.

Endometrial Cancer Treatment at Baptist Cancer Center?

If you are diagnosed with endometrial cancer, your Baptist Cancer Center team will discuss treatment options with you. Baptist doctors and specialists will help you and your family understand the benefits, risks, and side effects of treatment.

In most cases, our superior gynecologic oncologists recommend surgery with a combination of other endometrial cancer treatment options. For many women, the type of surgery is contingent on the type and stage of their diagnosis. No matter your type or stage of endometrial cancer, your Baptist cancer care team is ready to offer you the support, information, and services you need.

The Different Types of Endometrial Cancer

There are many kinds of endometrial cancer. Based on how endometrial cancer looks under a microscope, it is classified as one of the following types:

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Carcinosarcoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Undifferentiated carcinoma
  • Small cell carcinoma
  • Transitional carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of endometrial cancer. There are many variants, or types of adenocarcinoma, including endometrioid cancer. If your doctor thinks you may have endometrial cancer, he or she will perform a series of tests to determine the type and treatment plan.



Learn the Symptoms and Causes

Recognizing the signs of endometrial cancer allows for timely intervention, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving your quality of life.

What are endometrial cancer causes and risk factors?

Scientists are learning more about changes in DNA that occur when normal endometrial cells become cancerous. However, the cause of most endometrial cancers is still unknown.

Many known risk factors for endometrial cancer relate to the body’s balance of estrogen and progesterone, including taking estrogen after menopause, birth control pills, and tamoxifen. Additional risk factors include:

  • Starting menstruation early (before age 12)
  • Never having been pregnant
  • Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Older age (post-menopause)
  • Diet and exercise
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of endometrial or colorectal cancer
  • Prior diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, or endometrial hyperplasia
  • Hormone therapy
  • Radiation therapy for another cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms

Endometrial cancer symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal bleeding, spotting, or vaginal discharge: Approximately 90% of women with endometrial cancer experience abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause. While this symptom can occur in non-cancerous conditions, you should always alert your doctor to abnormal bleeding or non-bloody discharge.
  • Pelvic pain: Discomfort or pelvic pain may indicate later stages of endometrial cancer.
  • A mass: Always report abnormalities to your doctor, including a mass or noticeable weight loss, as these can also be signs of the disease.
Three doctors in a professional conversation.

Related Information

Connect With a Patient Navigator

As a patient at Baptist Cancer Center, you will have access to a dedicated patient navigator who will act as your advocate and liaison between you and your health care teams. Our patient navigators are available at every step to schedule appointments, answer questions, explain the treatment process, and provide resources, education and support when you and your family need it.