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In cancer of the uterus, also called endometrial cancer, cancer cells are present in the inner lining of the uterus. The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium.

Normally, the endometrium undergoes a series of changes during a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, in preparation for a potential pregnancy. The ovaries release hormones that initiate these changes. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrial lining is shed during menstruation. A very small percentage of endometrial cancers grow in the muscular and connective tissues of the uterus. These tumors are called uterine sarcomas.

In the United States, cancer of the endometrium is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 40,000 new cases of endometrial cancer will be diagnosed this year. About 7,500 women in the United States die each year from endometrial cancer. Survival rates are highest when the disease is discovered and treated in its earliest stage. So, it is vital that women visit their doctors annually for a pelvic exam.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding, spotting or other discharge. About nine out of 10 women with endometrial cancer have some type of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Some of these women have discharge that does not look like blood. Other symptoms that should be reported to your doctor right away include pelvic pain, a lump you can feel in your abdominal area and any weight loss that occurs without trying to lose weight.

Sources: American Cancer Society. What is endometrial cancer? Accessed May 29, 2008. National Cancer Institute. What you need to know about cancer of the uterus. Accessed May 29, 2008.

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