Endometrial Cancer

Why choose us for endometrial cancer care?

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer affecting the female reproductive organs. At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, we provide specialized endometrial cancer expertise and a personalized care experience.

Our team includes fellowship-trained cancer doctors (gynecologic oncologists) who use advanced tools, such as surgical robots, to provide precise care. Fertility-sparing treatments offer certain patients enhanced options for their reproductive future.

Endometrial cancer is one of many gynecological cancers we treat. Learn more about our gynecologic oncology program.

What you need to know about endometrial cancer

• Endometrial cancer describes cancer cells that begin growing from endometrial cells that line the inside of the uterus (womb). Endometrial cancer makes up the vast majority of uterine cancers.
• Endometrial cancer rates in South Texas are unusually high, mostly affecting young, Hispanic women. Doctors don’t yet understand why.
• If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or three missed periods in a row, see your gynecologist. These symptoms may be due to a routine medical issue. In rare cases, they may be the first signs of endometrial cancer. Early evaluation can lead to early cancer detection, which may help doctors treat cancer before it advances.
• Carrying excess weight (overweight or obesity) increases your chances of developing endometrial cancer. Permanent genetic changes (mutations) may cause some instances of endometrial cancer. The genetic counselors at our cancer genetics and high-risk screening clinic can identify your level of cancer risk. They also detail steps you can take to protect your health.

How to talk to your doctor about endometrial cancer

A cancer diagnosis causes many people to feel unsettled or uncertain about the future. We support you from the start. The same doctor (gynecologic oncologist) follows you closely throughout your care, supporting you every step of the way.

With us, you have choices. We offer multiple treatment options and discuss the risks, benefits and advantages of each with you. You can count on us to provide research-based treatment recommendations.

We answer all your questions, such as how cancer treatment could affect your reproductive health. We encourage families or loved ones to participate in your care in whatever way feels right to you.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing you might need and how they help inform treatment recommendations
• Cancer stage, including endometrial cancer type and whether it has spread
• Treatment options, including the benefits of fertility-sparing surgery
• Clinical trials you may be eligible for, such as targeted therapies
• Support services, including how to connect with members of Purple Heals, an active support group of local gynecological cancer survivors

Types

Our team specializes in treating all types of endometrial cancer, including:

• Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most common type of endometrium cancer. It tends to grow slowly, posing less risk of metastasis (cancer spread).
• Uterine serous carcinoma is a less common but more aggressive form of endometrial cancer. It may be more likely to come back (recur) at some point even after treatment destroys all signs of cancer.
• Clear cell carcinoma is a rare endometrial cancer that may be more likely to grow quickly or spread outside the uterus.

Symptoms

You may experience any combination of endometrial cancer symptoms. Some women have no symptoms. Common ovarian cancer symptoms include:

• Changes to menstrual flow, such as heavier, irregular or missed periods
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding such as spotting between periods, or vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area

Diagnosis

We diagnose endometrial cancer in several ways. First, we perform a physical exam. A biopsy (tissue removal) can confirm or rule out cancer. Our skilled experts do specialized biopsy procedures and will choose the option that fits your needs.

If we detect endometrial cancer, we may perform further tests to learn more about the molecular or genetic makeup of the cancer you have. Imaging tests can show details of cancer spread.

Our team includes highly skilled diagnostic specialists, including gynecologic pathologists and diagnostic radiologists. We diagnose a high volume of gynecologic cancers. You can trust our team to provide a precise endometrial cancer diagnosis.

Learn more about diagnosing cancer.

Treatment

A team of cancer specialists (including gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation therapists) meets regularly to discuss your needs and personalize your care. Together with you, we plan appropriate therapies for you. We base your plan on several factors, including the cancer type, the areas affected and your overall health.

Endometrial cancer treatment usually includes surgery to remove part or all of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Our surgeons treat endometrial cancer using leading techniques, including minimally invasive robotic surgery.

In robotic surgery, robotic arms guide our surgeons’ movements. This tool leads to a high level of precision for advanced disease or cancer in hard-to-reach places.

Robotic tools also provide a less invasive way to identify cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. Robotic surgery’s tiny incisions may help you get back to your usual routines faster or with less pain.

Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination to destroy any cancer cells that remain in your body after surgery.

Our cancer doctors offer some of today’s most advanced medical oncology treatments. For instance, we use cancer drugs that specifically target endometrial cancer cells to stop them from spreading.

Our radiation oncologists use sophisticated machines and computer technology to destroy cancer cells with high doses of high-energy beams, destroying cancer while protecting healthy tissues.

We offer fertility preservation surgery as an option for women of childbearing age who have early-stage cancers and meet specific criteria. For this sophisticated procedure, surgeons use delicate techniques to remove cancer tissue while sparing reproductive organs to preserve fertility.

Find out more about cancer treatments.

Research and clinical trials

Our physician-scientists are actively exploring new avenues for ways to improve gynecological cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Our research efforts offer eligible patients enhanced treatment options that may not be available elsewhere in San Antonio. You may be able to receive novel therapies, such as targeted cancer drugs that attack newly discovered features of endometrial cancer cells.

Get more information about cancer clinical trials and research.