Endometrial Cancer: Causes and Symptoms

Endometrial cancer is also known as uterine cancer, as it affects the lining of the uterus — the endometrium. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in the pelvis where fetal development occurs. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. Endometrial or uterine cancer is most likely to occur in women who are post-menopausal, who have obesity, who have received hormone replacement therapy, who use estrogen-only contraceptives, who have irregular menstrual cycles, who have diabetes, or who have a family history of the disease.

Is Endometrial Cancer the Same as Uterine Cancer?

Yes — the two terms are generally used interchangeably, since the endometrium is the tissue layer inside the uterus where this cancer originates.

First Signs of Endometrial Cancer and Ultrasound Findings

This cancer is often discovered relatively early because it commonly produces a noticeable symptom: irregular or unexpected vaginal bleeding. Symptoms primarily include heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and, in some cases, a noticeably enlarged uterus. On a transvaginal ultrasound, an abnormally thickened endometrial lining is often the first flag that prompts further diagnostic testing, such as a biopsy. When endometrial cancer spreads beyond the uterus, it typically moves first to nearby pelvic structures and lymph nodes, and in more advanced stages can spread to the lungs, liver, or bones.

How to Help Reduce Endometrial Cancer Risk

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, and discussing hormone therapy risks with a provider can help reduce overall risk. While no specific diet prevents or treats endometrial cancer on its own, many providers recommend limiting processed foods, excess red meat, and high-sugar items as part of a broader anti-inflammatory, metabolically supportive eating pattern — a principle that aligns with Dayspring's metabolic approach to cancer care. Survival rates for endometrial cancer are generally favorable when it is diagnosed early — which happens relatively often due to early bleeding symptoms — and decrease as the cancer progresses to later stages or spreads beyond the uterus.

Endometrial Cancer Treatment Options in Scottsdale

Endometrial (uterine) cancer is often treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy — including hysterectomy — but these conventional methods can be hard on the body. At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we offer advanced, less invasive alternatives, including cutting-edge immunotherapies tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Schedule a consultation with our medical team to learn how Dayspring Cancer Clinic can design a customized therapy plan offering innovative alternatives to conventional endometrial cancer treatment.

Endometrial Cancer FAQs

1. Is endometrial cancer a serious cancer? 

Yes, it's a serious diagnosis, though it is also one of the more treatable gynecologic cancers, particularly because it often produces an early, noticeable symptom — abnormal vaginal bleeding.

2. What is the 5-year survival rate of endometrial cancer? 

Survival rates are generally favorable when diagnosed early, which happens relatively often due to the early symptom of abnormal bleeding, and decrease with later-stage or more advanced disease.

3. Can endometrial cancer go away on its own? 

No. Like all cancers, endometrial cancer requires medical evaluation and treatment and will not resolve without intervention.

4. What age is typical for endometrial cancer? 

It's most commonly diagnosed in women after menopause, though risk factors like obesity or irregular cycles can lead to diagnosis at a younger age in some cases.

5. What foods should you avoid if you have endometrial cancer? 

There's no single food that causes or cures endometrial cancer, but many providers recommend limiting processed foods, excess red meat, and added sugar as part of a broader metabolically supportive diet.

6. Where does endometrial cancer spread first? 

It typically spreads first to nearby pelvic structures and lymph nodes before potentially reaching the lungs, liver, or bones in more advanced stages.

7. What are the first signs of endometrial cancer? 

The most common early sign is abnormal or unexpected vaginal bleeding, along with pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse in some cases.

8. Is endometrial cancer the same as uterine cancer? 

Yes — endometrial cancer specifically refers to cancer of the uterine lining (endometrium) and is generally used interchangeably with the broader term "uterine cancer."

9. How can I help prevent endometrial cancer? 

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like diabetes, discussing hormone therapy risks with your provider, and monitoring menstrual irregularities can help reduce risk.

10. What are the endometrial cancer treatment options in Scottsdale? 

Options include conventional treatments like surgery and hormone therapy, as well as alternative, less invasive immunotherapy-based treatment plans offered at Dayspring Cancer Clinic, tailored to each patient's diagnosis.