What is uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. A less common type, uterine sarcoma, starts in the muscle of the uterus. When found early, endometrial cancer is often treated with surgery alone.
What are the symptoms?
- Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods after age 40
- Watery or blood-tinged discharge
- Pelvic pain or pressure (usually later)
Who is at higher risk?
Risk factors include age, obesity, diabetes, estrogen therapy without progesterone, never having been pregnant, early periods or late menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, tamoxifen use and inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis usually starts with a transvaginal ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy with sampling. Treatment most often includes hysterectomy with removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries and evaluation of lymph nodes, frequently performed with minimally invasive or robotic surgery. Some patients need additional treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, depending on the stage and type.
What is recovery like?
After minimally invasive hysterectomy, many patients go home the same day or the next day and resume light activity within a couple of weeks, with full recovery in about four to six weeks. Regular follow-up visits continue after treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
Any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated promptly, even if it is light or happens only once. Women before menopause should be evaluated for bleeding between periods or a change in their usual pattern.
Schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale
To make an appointment with Women’s Surgical Specialists, call (954) 771-8888, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Our office is at 2800 East Commercial Blvd, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.