Endometrial Cancer Topic Guide

The dilation and curettage procedure (D&C). This is a safe procedure that a woman may need to have performed for a variety of reasons such as irregularbleeding, bleeding after menopause, uterine fibroids or polyps, or a treatment when the source is already known.

Uterine cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the muscles of the uterus or tissues that support the uterus. Cancers that develop in the uterus are types of sarcomas. A uterine fibroid is a common, benign (not cancerous) tumor that occurs on the smooth muscle of the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can develop inside the uterus, within the uterine muscle, or on the outside of the uterus.

In uterine sarcoma, malignant cancer cells form in the muscle lining and/or connective tissues of the uterus. Abnormal bleeding is the main symptom, and the condition is diagnosed by pelvic exam, ultrasound, PAP test and other tests. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, as well as some more experimental options.

In women, abnormal vaginal bleeding when is when they are not on their period (menstruation). Symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of your period include red blood on the underwear or pajamas, pelvic or abdominal pain, and excessive pain from menstruating, or if you are pregnant. Causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include unbalanced hormones, during pregnancy, after trauma, uterine fibroids, menopause, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding.