What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins as the growth of cells in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development happens.

Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. 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 found at an early stage because it causes symptoms. Often the first symptom is irregular vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is found early, surgically removing the uterus often cures it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• Bleeding between periods.
• Pelvic pain