Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer - A malignant growth or tumor originating in the uterine lining, or endometrium. The endometrium refers to the tissue lining the uterus (the hollow, muscular organ in a woman's pelvis) which grows each month and is then shed during the menstrual cycle. Sometimes called cancer of the uterus, or uterine cancer, endometrial cancer in the most common gynecological malignancy, and usually occurs in women older than 50. Less common are cancers of the muscles of the uterus, which are called sarcomas.

A majority of endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). A common cause of endometrial cancer is hormone imbalance, or having too much estrogen compared to progesterone in the body. In some women, the use of birth control pills may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

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