Are uterine cancer and endometrial cancer different?
Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer. Uterine cancer and endometrial cancer both form in the uterus. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus.
The biggest difference between cancers that form in the uterus is in the type of cancer, not the location.
The most common type of uterine and endometrial cancer is endometrioid carcinoma, which forms in the glands of the endometrium. Uterine sarcoma is a different and more aggressive type of cancer. Penn Medicine has experienced sarcoma specialists who can treat this rare cancer.
What are the early symptoms of uterine cancer?
Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods or after menopause) is the most common sign of uterine cancer.
Other potential signs of uterine cancer are abdominal pressure or pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or changes in bowel habits (such as constipation).
If you experience any of these symptoms and believe you are at risk for uterine cancer, please contact a gynecologist.
Who is at high risk for uterine cancer?
Exposure to the hormone estrogen, either naturally or through estrogen-only hormone replacement treatments for menopause, raises the risk of developing uterine cancer.
Because uterine sarcomas are so rare, not much is known about its risk factors.
Talk to a gynecologist about your personal uterine cancer risk.
What is the survival rate for uterine cancer?
The average five-year relative survival rate for uterine cancer is 81.2 percent.
Does a hysterectomy cure uterine cancer?
Total hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, is the most common first step in treating uterine cancer.
Your care team will develop a customized uterine cancer treatment plan to address any additional care needed to manage your cancer and prevent it from coming back.
Does Penn offer minimally invasive surgery for uterine cancer?
Penn Medicine is a national leader in minimally invasive surgery and performs a high number of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries for uterine cancer.
Minimally invasive surgeries can result in shorter recovery times, less pain and fewer complications than traditional, open surgeries.
Can a pap smear detect uterine cancer?
Pap tests are not used to detect uterine cancer. If you are concerned about your
uterine cancer risk, talk to a gynecologist.
Can I get pregnant after uterine cancer?