Uterine Cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the tissues of the uterus. The uterus is the pear-shaped organ in the women’s reproductive organs where the baby grows. The most common type of cancer of the uterus begins in the endometrium (lining of the uterus). A second type of cancer seen in the uterus is uterine sarcoma. This type of cancer of the uterus occurs in the muscle.
Two common benign (non-cancerous) conditions of the uterus are fibroids and endometriosis. Both of these conditions are benign, and will not result in cancer.
Risk factors related to uterine cancer include:
- Age - occurs more often in women over 50
- Endometrial hyperplasia - increases you risk of developing endometrial cancer
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Use of tamoxifen
- Race - white women more likely to develop endometrial cancer than African American
- Colorectal cancer history
- Other risk factors: length of time body is exposed to estrogen - women who have not children, who begin menstruation at a very young age, or enter menopause late in life are exposed to estrogen longer and are at a higher risk
These symptoms can also be a result of other medical problems not related to cancer.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain when urinating
- Pain with intercourse
- Pain in the pelvic area