Uterine cancer

Because endometrial cancer is often treatable and even curable when caught early, we prioritize advanced diagnostics.

Endometrial cancer is rarely detected through a Pap smear. A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy, which can usually be performed in office. Additional tests that may also be recommended to help confirm a diagnosis may include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Pelvic ultrasounds
• X-rays

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer. These include:

• Early onset menstruation
• Late menopause
• Obesity
• Older age
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Using unopposed estrogen or certain hormone therapies may also raise your risk. Additionally, inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, may predispose to endometrial cancer.

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding, which may appear as bleeding between menstrual periods or bleeding after menopause. Less common symptoms — such as pelvic pain, back pain or abdominal discomfort — are unusual and may indicate a more advanced stage.

The standard treatment for endometrial cancer is a total hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries and sampling lymph nodes to check for any spread of cancer. This procedure may be performed using a minimally invasive technique or through an open abdominal incision. In some cases, radiation therapy or hormone therapy may also be recommended. For advanced cases, treatment needs to be individualized.