Uterine Cancer Symptoms
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Symptoms Common to Uterine & Endometrial Cancers
Abnormal bleeding is a common symptom experienced by women diagnosed with both uterine and endometrial cancers. While both of these cancers form in the uterus, each disease is different and women may experience a different variety of symptoms.
Almost every cancer of the uterus is classified as a carcinoma, which means that the disease originated in the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus). Most endometrial carcinomas are cancers that form glands in the endometrium called adenocarcinomas. This condition, classified by doctors as endometrioid adenocarcinoma, is the most commonform or uterine cancer.
If the cancer forms in the muscle layers or connective tissue of the uterus, it is classified as a sarcoma. There are additional subtypes of both endometrial carcinomas and uterine sarcomas. The progression and development of the symptoms may depend on the type of the cancer.
Uterine Sarcoma Symptoms
Women who experience unexpected vaginal bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge should discuss this with their gynecologist. While not always the case, abnormal bleeding is a common symptom of uterine sarcoma, a form of cancer affecting tissue in the uterus.
The following are some common signs and symptoms of this cancer:
- Abnormal bleeding or spotting - Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause.
- Persistent itching - Itching that doesn't go away is a common symptom. Sometimes there is also a burning pain.
- Vaginal discharge - In many cases, an unusual vaginal discharge indicates an infection or other non-cancerous condition. However, there are women who have been diagnosed with a uterine cancer that have experienced discharge as a symptom of their disease.
- Pelvic pain/pressure or mass - Some women diagnosed with uterine cancer experience pelvic pain or a feeling of fullness in their pelvis. Doctors may also feel a mass during a pelvic exam.
Many uterine sarcomas reach advanced stages before women experience signs or symptoms. Routine pelvic exams may improve the likelihood of early detection; however, there are no standard screening procedures that test for this type of cancer.
Endometrial Cancer Symptoms
Irregular bleeding or non-bloody vaginal discharges are also common symptoms associated with endometrial cancers. Women may also experience pelvic pain and unexplained weight loss, though these symptoms are more common in later stages of the disease. As is the case with uterine sarcomas, asymptomatic endometrial cancer screenings or tests are not currently available.
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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