Womb (Uterus) Cancer
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Cancer affecting the womb (uterus)
- Most common in women after menopause
- Often starts in the womb's lining (endometrial cancer)
- Severity depends on tumor size, spread, and general health
- Getting symptoms checked early is crucial for easier treatment
Overview
Womb cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in the pelvis where a baby develops during pregnancy. Most womb cancers begin in the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus, and are therefore often called endometrial cancer. While anyone with a womb can develop this cancer, it is most frequently diagnosed in women who have already gone through menopause. The seriousness of womb cancer is determined by factors such as the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the patient's overall health. Finding womb cancer early significantly improves treatment outcomes. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause)
- Bleeding between periods (pre-menopause)
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Things That Increase the Risk
- Older age (post-menopause)
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Never having been pregnant
- Early menstruation or late menopause
- Hormone therapy (estrogen without progesterone)
- Family history of certain cancers (e.g., Lynch syndrome)
Diagnosis
- Pelvic exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
- Imaging scans (MRI, CT) to check for spread
Treatment & Management
- Surgery (hysterectomy, removal of ovaries/fallopian tubes)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage diabetes effectively
- Discuss hormone therapy risks with your doctor
- Attend regular gynecological check-ups
- Report any unusual vaginal bleeding promptly
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Womb (Uterus) Cancer:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Womb (Uterus) Cancer:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Women, especially post-menopausal
Prevalence
Common gynecological cancer
Diagnosis
Endometrial biopsy
Treatment
Surgery (hysterectomy)
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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