Uterine Cancer Overview

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy. When discovered early, surgery alone may be adequate therapy. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, when cells in the endometrial lining grow uncontrollably, potentially invading the muscle of the uterus and spreading to areas outside of the uterus such as the ovaries, lymph nodes and abdomen.

A less common form of uterine cancer—uterine sarcoma—causes malignant cells to form in the muscle of the uterus or network of support cells in the uterine lining. Making up only about 5 percent of uterine cancers, uterine sarcomas are generally more aggressive and more difficult to cure.