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Cancer of the uterus

Cancer of the uterus is the most common gynaecological cancer affecting women in Australia. Most cancers of the uterus are cancers of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Cancers can also develop in the muscle layers of the uterus. Knowing which type of cancer you have is important because it affects the decisions you and your doctor will make about treatment.

Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium

An adenocarcinoma is a cancer that starts in glandular tissue. Most women (about 85%) who are diagnosed with cancer of the uterus have this type of cancer.

Other types of cancer of the uterus

The less common types of cancer of the uterus are adenosquamous carcinoma, papillary serous carcinoma and, rarely, clear cell carcinoma or uterine sarcoma. These cancers are called high risk cancers because they are more likely to spread.

Unusual bleeding

Sometimes women develop a very thick lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). This can mean that they have very heavy periods or bleeding at irregular times or have a watery, bloody discharge, even if they have gone through menopause.

Some types of endometrial hyperplasia may later become cancerous. If you have finished having children, your doctor may advise you to have a hysterectomy.

Unusual bleeding (such as frequent spotting) before and after menopause must be investigated. Usually an ultrasound test and/or a biopsy is done to assess the thickness of the endometrium. In a biopsy, a sample of the endometrium is taken to be looked at under a microscope. This is usually done by dilatation and curettage (D&C) under anaesthetic or using a small sampling device in the doctor's rooms.

MORE INFORMATION from CCV