Endometrial Cancer & Treatment

About the Uterus

The uterus is a pelvic organ approximately the size and shape of a pear and is part of a woman's reproductive system. The uterus has two main parts. The cervix is located in the lower end of the uterus and extends into the vagina. The upper portion of the uterus is called the corpus (body). The corpus is comprised of three layers: the endometrium, myometrium and the serosa. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. The serosa is a layer of tissue that coats the outer part of the uterus, and the myometrium is a thick layer of muscle in the middle of the uterus. 

About Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Endometrial Cancer is the fourth most common cancer found in women and is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Approximately 40,100 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Endometrial cancer is most common after the reproductive years.

Endometrial Cancer originates in the inner lining of the uterus. This lining is called the endometrium. Cancers of the uterus starting in the endometrium are referred to as adenocarcinomas and cancers that begin in the muscle layer or tissues of the uterus are called sarcomas. Sarcomas are less common only accounting for less than five percent of uterine cancers.

Most cases of endometrial cancer are detected at an early stage because it frequently causes vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.  Other symptoms may include: 

• frequent, difficult or painful urination
• bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation
• irregular bleeding
• bleeding after menopause
• pain during intercourse
• pelvic pain
• pink, watery or white discharge  

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Treatment

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about your options for treatment. Since most uterine cancers are diagnosed in their early stages most doctors recommend surgical treatment as it provides an excellent chance for cure. Surgically removing the uterus - also known as a hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure amongst women in the United States. With endometrial cancer, comprehensive surgical staging that includes a hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is recommended. Here at the CARES Center our gynecologic oncology surgeons are leading the southeast in a minimally invasive procedure known as the da Vinci® Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer. By using the da Vinci® Surgical System surgeons are able to perform the procedure through smaller incisions and with increased visualization of the surgical field. This minimally invasive approach has shown numerous benefits when compared to a traditional hysterectomy. 

Our Gynecologic Oncology Robotic Team here at the CARES Center have performed over 140 Robotic Hysterectomies for Endometrial Cancer.

Robotic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Staging - Are you a candidate?

To learn more about Robotic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Staging and whether it is the right treatment option for you, contact us or call us at (919) 843-7805.