Cancer More Cancer Types Symptoms of Uterine Cancer By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH LinkedIn Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 07, 2021 Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD LinkedIn Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is double board-certified in medical oncology and hematology. He was a physician in the US Air Force and now practices at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is an associate professor. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequent Symptoms Rare Symptoms Complications When to See a Healthcare Provider/Go to the Hospital Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, refers to cancer that starts in the uterus. The first symptoms usually include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, and treatment at early stages can be very successful. The uterus is a pear-shaped reproductive organ. The inside lining of the uterus is called the endometrium; this is usually where the cancer cells first develop. About 10% of uterine cancers are known as uterine sarcomas, tumors that start in the muscular layer of the uterus. Each year over 65,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer. Common Conditions That Can Affect the Uterus PeopleImages / Getty Images Frequent Symptoms The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Certain risk factors are linked to uterine cancer. The majority of women diagnosed with uterine cancer are post-menopausal and around 60 years old. It is uncommon in women under 45 years old to be diagnosed with uterine cancer. It is more likely to affect White women, but more Black women die from this condition. It is helpful to remember that many of the symptoms of uterine cancer can also be caused by other less serious health issues like benign fibroid tumors. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding as a Symptom of Gynecologic Cancer Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause Experiencing heavy, period-like bleeding after menopause can be an early sign of uterine cancer. It’s also possible to experience light bleeding or spotting with uterine cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 85% of women diagnosed with uterine sarcoma experienced irregular vaginal bleeding. Postcoital Bleeding: What Causes Bleeding After Sex Bleeding Between Periods If you have been experiencing heavy bleeding between your periods, talk with your gynecologist, since this could be a sign of uterine cancer. Any abnormal bleeding, especially if it lasts beyond two weeks, can be an early warning sign of uterine cancer. What You Need to Know About Bleeding Between Periods Pelvic Pain Any new pain is a reason to see your healthcare provider right away. Uterine cancer can be associated with pelvic pain, cramping, or pain with urination or intercourse. Rare Symptoms While most women will experience bleeding as a first sign of uterine cancer, more symptoms can develop over time. New Vaginal Discharge Most changes in vaginal discharge are not caused by cancer, but about 10% of women with uterine sarcoma have abnormal discharge. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have a change in your vaginal discharge, with or without the presence of blood. Feeling a Lump If you have a feeling of heaviness in your abdomen or have felt a lump there, it is likely a benign tumor. However, about 10% of women with uterine sarcoma are able to feel the tumor simply by pressing on their lower abdomen, so always check with your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump. Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss can be a late side effect of uterine cancer. If you or a loved one have recently lost weight without trying, see your healthcare provider about it. Causes of Unintentional Weight Loss Complications Uterine cancer can lead to complications if it spreads beyond the uterus. The treatments, such as radiation or surgery, can also produce complications. Changes in Fertility Most treatment plans for uterine cancer involve a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. If part of your treatment involves the removal of your uterus or ovaries, you will no longer be able to become pregnant. You and your healthcare provider can discuss your options if you are of childbearing age and still wish to have children. How Endometrial Cancer Is Treated Early Menopause If cancer has spread to your ovaries, they may need to be removed as well. Without your ovaries, your body will stop producing estrogen and progesterone, and you will begin menopause, regardless of your age. What Is Premature Menopause? Cancer Most uterine cancers are caught early before they have had a chance to metastasize. But uterine cancer can spread to nearby pelvic organs and beyond. It usually spreads to the ovaries first and may also go to the lymph nodes, bladder, liver, and kidney. When to See a Healthcare Provider/Go to the Hospital Going to a healthcare provider as soon as you develop symptoms of uterine cancer is the best way to beat it. As with most cancers, the earlier uterine cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. The five-year survival rate for women with localized uterine cancer that has not spread to other areas of the body is 95%. Most women who experience uterine cancer develop abnormal vaginal bleeding, so any bleeding needs to be examined by your healthcare provider. If you are at increased risk for uterine cancer, it is crucial that you see your healthcare provider as soon as you develop any unusual symptoms. Risk factors for uterine cancer include: Age over 70 years old Obesity Late menopause Never giving birth Diabetes Hypertension Estrogen treatment Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer Causes and Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer It is also important to keep up with regular wellness checks and medical appointments. Uterine cancer can sometimes be detected during a routine pelvic exam with your gynecologist. There is no screening tool, but a physical exam may catch cancer of the uterus. Yearly Checkups for Seniors A Word From Verywell Common uterine cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. It’s helpful to remember that these symptoms do not always mean cancer; they can also be present with benign conditions such as fibroids. Getting routine medical check-ups, including following the recommendations for gynecology visits, is the best way to prevent the progression of uterine cancer and other health problems before they reach an advanced stage. 11 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. Medline Plus. Uterine Cancer. American Cancer Society. What Is Uterine Sarcoma? American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Endometrial Cancer. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Sarcomas. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Are the Symptoms? American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer. John Hopkins Medicine. Endometrial Cancer. The Angeles Clinic. Uterine Cancer - Endometrial Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Endometrial Cancer Screening. American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Endometrial Cancer. American Cancer Society. Can Endometrial Cancer Be Found Early? By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit