Cancer More Cancer Types Endometrial Cancer Guide Endometrial Cancer Guide Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment How Endometrial Cancer Is Diagnosed By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our editorial process Colleen Doherty, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD on July 06, 2021 Rony Kampalath, MD, is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in imaging of the abdomen. Learn about our Medical Review Board Rony Kampalath, MD Updated on July 29, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Medical History Labs and Tests Imaging and Biopsy Staging Differential Diagnosis Frequently Asked Questions Next in Endometrial Cancer Guide What Are the Types of Treatment for Endometrial Cancer? While most women begin the process of being diagnosed with endometrial cancer as a result of visiting their doctor for abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, for some women, the diagnostic process begins as a result of an abnormality detected during a routine pelvic examination. Whatever starts the process, it's important to keep in mind that an endometrial biopsy (when a tissue sample is removed from the inner lining of the uterus) is the gold standard test for diagnosing endometrial cancer. That said, other tests like a thorough medical history and blood and imaging tests certainly aid in the diagnostic process. Illustration by Verywell Medical History Let's say a woman comes in with abnormal vaginal bleeding. In order for a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in treating the female reproductive system) to pinpoint a diagnosis, including a possibility for endometrial cancer, she will start by asking several questions about the bleeding. Some of these questions may include: How long has the bleeding gone on for? How much are you bleeding? Are there any symptoms associated with the bleeding? (for example, pain, fever, or an odor) Does the bleeding occur after sex? What medications are you taking? Do you have a family or personal history of bleeding problems? Are you experiencing any new vaginal discharge, even if non-bloody? This last question is pertinent because while the vast majority of endometrial cancers cause abnormal vaginal bleeding (if any symptoms are present), a non-bloody vaginal discharge may also be a sign. After reviewing a woman's medical history, a gynecologist will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, to confirm that the bleeding is coming from the uterus and not from other organs (for example, the vulva, cervix, anus, or rectum). Endometrial Cancer Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Labs and Tests In addition to a medical history and physical examination, various tests may be performed, mostly to rule out non-uterine problems. For instance, since the cervix connects the uterus to the vagina, a pap smear may be performed. During a pap smear, a cell sample is taken from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer. Likewise, if a woman is noting vaginal discharge or odor, a cervical swab may be performed to check for infection. Blood Tests There is no single blood test that can diagnose endometrial cancer. However, many doctors will order a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia (low red blood cell count), which may be caused by endometrial cancer, among other health conditions. Other blood tests your doctor may order to evaluate for whole-body causes of bleeding include: Blood clotting tests Thyroid function panel Complete metabolic panel (CMP) to check for liver or kidney disease Pregnancy test Imaging and Biopsy An ultrasound (a machine that uses sound waves to take images of the body) is the first test used to evaluate a woman's reproductive organs, including her uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Your doctor may start with a pelvic ultrasound, in which the ultrasound probe is placed (along with warm gel) on the lower abdomen or pelvis. Then he will move forward with a transvaginal ultrasound, which is a more optimal test for visualizing the uterus and determining whether or not endometrial cancer is present. Transvaginal Ultrasound With a transvaginal ultrasound, the ultrasound probe is placed inside the vagina where it is closer to the uterus. During the transvaginal ultrasound, the lining of the uterus is examined and measured. In addition, certain endometrial abnormalities, like polyps or tumors, can be visualized Saline Infusion Sonohysterography A saline infusion sonohysterography entails a gynecologist performing a transvaginal ultrasound after filling the uterus with saline (salt water). Compared to a transvaginal ultrasound, this test allows for better visualization of the uterus, so smaller and more obscure abnormalities may be detected. While an ultrasound is a helpful tool, the only way to diagnose endometrial cancer is through a biopsy. Endometrial Biopsy and Hysteroscopy An endometrial biopsy means that a small tissue sample of the uterus is removed by the gynecologist during a procedure called a hysteroscopy, which is a procedure usually performed in a doctor's office using local anesthesia. During a hysteroscopy, a tiny scope is placed into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. A small amount of tissue is then removed by a special suction instrument. This tissue sample is then examined under a microscope by a specialized doctor called a pathologist. The pathologist looks at the tissue to see whether there are cancerous cells present. Sometimes, an endometrial biopsy is not sufficient, meaning not enough tissue was gathered, or the biopsy results are unclear (the pathologist can not definitively say whether cancer cells are present). In this case, a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) will be performed. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) A D&C is a more complicated procedure that cannot be done in the doctor's office, but rather in an outpatient surgical center, as it requires general anesthesia or sedation (in addition to local anesthesia or an epidural to numb the lower part of the body). During a D&C, the cervix is dilated, and a thin instrument (called a curette) is used to scrape away tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. A D&C can be done with or without the use of a hysteroscope. Staging Once endometrial cancer is diagnosed, a specialized cancer doctor (called a gynecologic oncologist) will stage the cancer, which means she will determine if and how far the cancer has spread. The tests used to stage endometrial cancer often include: Chest X-ray Computed tomography (CT) scan Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test Many women with endometrial cancer, especially those with more advanced disease, benefit from surgical staging, which involves surgery to comprehensively evaluate how far disease has spread in the body. Stages of Endometrial Cancer Stage 1: Cancer has not spread outside the body of the uterus Stage 2: Cancer has spread from the body of the uterus into the cervical stroma (tissue that connects the uterus to the cervix) Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the outer surface of the uterus or outside of the uterus to the pelvic lymph nodes, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or vagina Stage 4: Cancer has spread to the rectum, bladder, groin lymph nodes, abdomen, or distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones Differential Diagnosis It's important to understand there are many potential noncancerous conditions that can cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus; however, the only way to be certain that cancer is (or is not) present is through a biopsy, which is why a visit to your gynecologist is essential. Other possible causes of abnormal uterine bleeding that your doctor will consider, include: Excessive thinning of the vaginal and uterine lining (due to low estrogen levels in menopause) Uterine polyps or fibroids Infection of the uterus Medications like blood thinners Of course, keep in mind that what you may think is vaginal bleeding may, in fact, be bleeding from a different location, such as your bladder or rectum. This is why a thorough medical history and physical examination is important to start—so only necessary tests (like an endometrial biopsy) are performed. Premenopausal Women While endometrial cancer is most common in postmenopausal women, it's important to note that it can occur in young women, even adolescents (albeit rarely). This is why in certain instances (for example if a woman is 45 years or older or has risk factors for endometrial cancer (regardless of her age), she will still need to be ruled out for cancer with an endometrial biopsy. In terms of a differential diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women, a doctor will consider some of the following conditions: Polycystic ovarian syndrome or other problems related to ovulation Pregnancy Problems linked to birth control pills or an intrauterine device Fibroids and polyps Frequently Asked Questions Can a Pap smear detect endometrial cancer? No. Very rarely, a sample of the tissue taken for a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer may show signs of abnormalities in endometrial tissue. However, a Pap smear cannot detect or definitively diagnose endometrial cancer. Who's most likely to get endometrial cancer? The primary risk factors include: Taking certain medications, particularly tamoxifen and estrogen without progestin Eating a high-fat diet Being overweight or obese Never giving birth Early menstruation or late menopause Having the gene for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) Should I be screened for endometrial cancer? Only if you carry the gene for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) and you're 35 or older, in which case your doctor may suggest you have yearly endometrial biopsies to screen for signs of cancer. Routine screening is not recommended for other women. What Are the Types of Treatment for Endometrial Cancer? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer American Cancer Society. Tests for Endometrial Cancer US National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Abnormal uterine bleeding Gu M, Shi W, Barakat RR, et al. Pap smears in women with endometrial carcinoma. Acta Cytol. 2001;45(4):555-560. doi:10.1159/000327864 National Cancer Institute. Endometrial cancer screening (PDQ)—Patient version. Apr 14, 2021. American Cancer Society. Can endometrial cancer be found early? Updated July 24, 2020. Additional Reading American Cancer Society. Tests for Endometrial Cancer. 2018. Chen L, Berek JS. (2017). Patient education: Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis and Staging (Beyond the Basics). Goff B, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. Sweet MG, Schmidt-Dalton TA, Weiss P, Madsen KP. Evaluation and Management of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Premenopausal Women. Am Fam Physician.2012 Jan 1;85(1):35-43. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women. 2013. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Frequently Asked Questions: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. 2017.