Uterine cancer occurs when cells in the uterus (an organ in the pelvis of people assigned female at birth) mutate and grow uncontrollably. Uterine cancer may cause unusual vaginal bleeding, pain, and trouble peeing.
Endometrial cancer starts in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). It is the most common type of uterine cancer.
In the United States, about 28 out of 100,000 people with a uterus receive a uterine cancer diagnosis every year. Recognizing the early signs of uterine cancer may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
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The most common early signs of uterine cancer are abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain, pelvic pressure, and trouble peeing.
Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of uterine cancer. Irregular bleeding is when you bleed outside of your period or after menopause (when you no longer have your period for at least 12 months).
Older adults experiencing menopause are at a higher risk of uterine cancer. Bleeding after menopause is never normal, and it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away. Irregular vaginal bleeding may be heavy or light. Even light spotting after menopause could be a sign of uterine cancer.
If you still have your period, irregular vaginal bleeding may look like heavier periods or bleeding between periods.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Most people assigned female at birth experience vaginal discharge throughout the month.
Unusual vaginal discharge may:
- Contain blood
- Be red, pink, white, or brown
- Have a foul smell
- Appear similar to pus
See your healthcare provider if you experience vaginal discharge changes that seem unusual to you.
Pain
As uterine cancer grows and spreads, a tumor can form and press on nearby tissues, causing pain. You may feel pressure or bloating in your pelvic area or experience a feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen.
If you have uterine cancer, you may also experience pain:
- In your lower back or legs
- While having sex
- When peeing or having bowel movements
As uterine cancer spreads, it can affect other areas of your body.
Symptoms you may experience in the later stages of uterine cancer include:
- Bloating: A tumor in the uterus may cause fluid to build up in the abdomen, causing ascites, or in the lymph nodes, causing lymphedema.
- Gastrointestinal issues: When uterine cancer spreads to the stomach or colon, it can cause abdominal discomfort and painful bowel movements. You may experience constipation or diarrhea.
- Urinary frequency: When a cancerous tumor presses on your bladder or other organs in the pelvis, it may cause an increased urge to pee.
- Unintentional weight loss: Uterine cancer may cause you to have a low appetite, resulting in unexpected weight loss.
If you think you may have uterine cancer symptoms, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider. Catching uterine cancer early may improve your prognosis and likelihood of treatment success. The longer uterine cancer grows and spreads, the more difficult it becomes to treat.
See your healthcare provider if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. If your provider suspects you may have cancer, they’ll refer you to a gynecologic oncologist.
A gynecologic oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes (which connect the ovaries to the uterus), and vagina.
When you see your provider, they will likely perform several diagnostic tests, including:
- History and physical: Your provider will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your symptoms and any family history of uterine cancer. They may perform a pelvic exam, though it is not effective at finding early-stage uterine cancer.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This test takes images of the female reproductive organs and pelvic area. During the test, your provider will insert a wand-like tool into your vagina to see if there are any abnormalities in your uterus, like a tumor.
- Endometrial biopsy: If your provider sees anything concerning on the ultrasound, they may take a small tissue sample from the uterine lining to further examine.
Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, causing irregular vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain or pressure.
The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which develops in the uterine lining.
As the cancer grows and spreads, it can affect other areas in the body. See your healthcare provider if you develop any possible symptoms of uterine cancer.
