Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Endometrial cancer Enlarge image Close Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development happens. Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common than endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer is often found at an early stage because it causes symptoms. Often the first symptom is irregular vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is found early, surgically removing the uterus often cures it. Diagnosis & treatment Aug. 11, 2023 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with endometrial cancer? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Gynecologic Cancers support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Gynecologic Cancers Discussions Uterine biopsy not enough tissue extracted: Now What? 31 Replies Tue, Apr 23, 2024 chevron-right Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer? 60 Replies Tue, Apr 23, 2024 chevron-right What were your first signs of endometrial cancer? 12 Replies Tue, Apr 23, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Uterine cancer. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/view-all. Accessed March 7, 2023. Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. Uterine cancer. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 6, 2023. Soliman PT, et al. Malignant diseases of the uterus: Endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, sarcoma: Diagnosis and management. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 7, 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 149: Endometrial cancer. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2015; doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000462977.61229.de. Reaffirmed 2021. Uterine neoplasms. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1473. Accessed March 6, 2023. Palliative care. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=3&id=1454. Accessed March 6, 2023. Fader AN, et al. Utilization of minimally invasive surgery in endometrial cancer care. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2016; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001180. Related Endometrial cancer Associated Procedures Brachytherapy Chemotherapy Chest X-rays CT scan Pelvic exam Radiation therapy Ultrasound Show more associated procedures News from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Minute: Health disparities in gynecologic cancers Feb. 15, 2024, 05:30 p.m. CDT Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Why are more people dying of uterine cancer? Sept. 20, 2022, 01:39 p.m. CDT Products & Services Assortment Women's Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been ranked among the best Gynecology hospitals in the nation for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Endometrial cancerSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20167632 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Endometrial cancer