What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus. The lining is called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is also called cancer of the uterus, or uterine cancer.
Endometrial cancer usually occurs in women older than 50. The good news is that it is usually cured when it is found early. And most of the time, the cancer is found in its earliest stage, before it has spread outside the uterus.
What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?
Unexpected vaginal bleeding after menopause is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer.
If you are taking hormone therapy after menopause, you can expect some bleeding. But if you have irregular bleeding, call your doctor.
Before menopause, abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge is not as likely to be a sign of endometrial cancer. They are usually signs of other conditions, such as hormone changes.
Symptoms of more advanced endometrial cancer include:
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- A pelvic lump.
- Weight loss.
Symptoms of endometrial cancer can be mistaken for those of another condition, such as endometriosis.
