Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus. It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, with an estimated 65,620 new cases and 12,550 deaths in 2023. The average age of diagnosis is 60 years old. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause or bleeding between periods. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, pressure, or fullness; bloating; and unintended weight loss.
Uterine cancer is usually diagnosed with a biopsy, which is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the uterus and examined under a microscope. Other tests that may be used to diagnose uterine cancer include a pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, and endometrial sampling. Treatment for uterine cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.