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In the US, uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. It is a malignant tumor located in a woman’s uterus. Uterine sarcoma is a less common type of uterine cancer that develops in the muscular part of the uterus and is more difficult to cure than endometrial cancer.
For complete care with the diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer in Stockton and the surrounding areas, consult with the experienced oncologists at St. Joseph's Cancer Institute. Use our online Find a Doctor to get started.
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, and it occurs in about 90 percent of women when they’re diagnosed. This may include changes in your menstrual periods, spotting between periods, and bleeding after menopause.
Other common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
As these symptoms can be caused by another noncancerous condition, you should see your gynecologist at Dignity Health as soon as possible to confirm a diagnosis.
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes cancer, but there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. Hormone balance is one risk factor; for example, women who take or have taken estrogen without progesterone have a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Other known risk factors include:
If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, your treatment options will depend on the stage of your cancer. Surgery to remove the cancer and the reproductive organs is the main treatment for most stages. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used after surgery, as well as hormone therapy or biologic therapy in the later stages. Your doctor and nurse navigator will explain each treatment, so you will know exactly how to prepare.
Prevention strategies for uterine cancer may involve reducing any risk factors that you can control like eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and treating any other medical conditions. Pregnancy, birth control use, and IUD (intrauterine device) use may also lower your risk.
At our six state-of-the-art hospitals, St. Joseph's Cancer Institute offers advanced care and treatment for patients with uterine cancer in Stockton and surrounding areas.
