Uterine cancer overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
The term uterine cancer may refer to one of several different types of cancer which occur in the uterus. These include:
- Endometrial carcinomas originate from cells in the glands of the endometrium (uterine lining). These include the common and readily treatable well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma, as well as the more aggressive uterine papillary serous carcinoma and uterine clear-cell carcinoma.
- Endometrial stromal sarcomas originate from the connective tissues of the endometrium, and are far less common than endometrial carcinomas
- Malignant mixed müllerian tumors are rare endometrial tumors which show both glandular (carcinomatous) and stromal (sarcomatous) differentiation - their true cell of origin is unknown.
- Cervical cancer arises from the transitional zone of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus which lies at the upper aspect of the vagina
- Sarcomas of the myometrium, or muscular layer of the uterus, are most commonly leiomyosarcomas. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous smooth muscle tumors which are vastly more common than sarcomas.
Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. Being obese and taking estrogen-alone hormone replacement therapy also increase your risk. Treatment varies depending on your overall health, how advanced the cancer is and whether hormones affect its growth. Treatment is usually a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus. Other options include hormone therapy and radiation.