Endometrium Cancer

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows. The endometrium constantly changes during the menstrual cycle as its glandular lining prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the top layer will be shed during menstruation.

Incidence

The American Cancer Society estimates that 40,100 new cases of endometrial cancer (uterine corpus) will be diagnosed in 2008.

Obesity, starting monthly periods prior to the age of 12 or not experiencing menopause until after the age of 50, never having children, and diabetes are all risk factors of developing endometrial cancer.  Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives provide protection against endometrial cancer. 

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer of the endometrium include abnormal bleeding, pain in the pelvis, back or legs, weakness and weight loss without dieting.

Screening & Diagnosis

There are no screening tests available. Tests that may help diagnose cancer of the endometrium include ultrasound, blood tests, CT and MRI scans and biopsy of suspicious tissue.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy), fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) is the most common method of treatment. In younger women with early-stage tumors, the ovaries may be left to avoid premature menopause. Radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy may also be used.

GYN/Endometrium Cancer Tipsheet (p.2)