Uterine Cancer

At UCI Health, we understand that a diagnosis of uterine cancer can be overwhelming, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 

Our compassionate team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized, innovative care to help you navigate this journey.

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with approximately 65,000 women in the U.S. diagnosed each year. But with early detection and advanced treatments, many women can overcome it and return to living their full lives.

Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. While they can be caused by other conditions, they should never be ignored.

Postmenopausal bleeding: Bleeding after menopause, whether light spotting or heavier bleeding, is not normal and should be checked by your doctor immediately.

Irregular periods: If your periods are becoming irregular, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it could be a sign of uterine cancer.

Less common symptoms

Less common symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating or cramping, and the presence of a pelvic mass, especially one that is growing in size.

Risk factors

Obesity and hormonal therapy: If you’re obese or taking unopposed estrogen or tamoxifen, abnormal vaginal bleeding could be a symptom of uterine cancer.

Early detection is key, so contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Uterine cancer diagnosis at UCI Health

We use a variety of methods to diagnose uterine cancer and get you the most accurate information. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process.

Biopsy: We diagnose most uterine cancer cases with a biopsy, where we take a small tissue sample from the lining of your uterus.  We usually perform an in-office procedure, passing a thin tube through the cervix. It’s quick, doesn’t require anesthesia and may cause brief cramping.

D&C procedure: If we can’t perform a biopsy in the office, you may need a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. This outpatient procedure may include a small camera (hysteroscope) to look inside your uterus and collect tissue for testing.

Pathology results: We send your tissue sample to a pathologist for examination. If we find cancer, the pathologist will determine the grade and type of cells, which helps your doctor understand how aggressive the cancer may be. 

If you have questions or concerns about the diagnostic process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Staging

When we diagnose uterine cancer, one of the most important factors in deciding your treatment and predicting your outlook is the stage of the cancer. Staging helps doctors understand how far the cancer has spread and what the best treatment options may be.

Stages of uterine cancer

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the body (corpus) of the uterus.
• Stage II: Cancer has spread to the uterine cervix.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the bladder or colon lining, or to the upper abdomen, lungs, or groin lymph nodes.

Knowing the stage of your cancer is crucial. It helps guide your treatment plan and gives your doctor a clearer idea of what to expect moving forward.

Uterine cancer treatment at UCI Health

At UCI Health, we offer personalized, expert care to treat uterine cancer. Our team of specialists works closely together to provide the most effective treatment options, focused on your unique needs and overall well-being.

Managing recurrent disease
If uterine cancer returns, treatment becomes more complex. At UCI Health, we carefully assess factors such as the location of recurrence, previous treatments and your overall health to develop a tailored plan. Many patients with recurrent disease are eligible for clinical trials.These new therapies could provide additional treatment options.

Your patient pathway

At UCI Health, your care pathway may include:

• Initial consultation: Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with our team.
• Surgical consultation: If you need surgery, we’ll explain the best approach for you.
• Chemotherapy or radiation: Based on your stage, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or both.
• Ongoing care: Continuous support and access to clinical trials for the best outcomes.

With advanced treatments and personalized care, we’re with you every step of the way, helping you navigate uterine cancer treatment with confidence.

Why choose UCI Health for uterine cancer care

NCI-designated cancer center

UCI Health is proud to be home to the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. We’re the only cancer center in Orange County designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This means you have access to the most advanced treatments, experienced specialists and the latest in cancer research—all tailored to meet your unique needs.

University-affiliated care

As the only academic health system in Orange County, we bring together expert care with the latest innovations. As a teaching hospital, we offer personalized treatment options and the opportunity to be part of leading-edge clinical trials, ensuring you receive the most effective and up-to-date care available.

Treating the whole you

You are much more than your diagnosis. When we care for you, we take into account every aspect of your life, including menopause, bone and sexual health, memory and fatigue.

We offer advanced, compassionate care, combining leading-edge treatments with personalized support.

Our physicians — gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists — work together to provide you with comprehensive and individualized care.