Common early uterine cancer symptoms include atypical vaginal bleeding (including after menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. The condition is most common in females above 50 years old.

The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which occurs in your uterus’s lining, called your endometrium. Uterine sarcomas are a much rarer type that occurs in your uterus’s muscle walls.

Keep in mind that because endometrial cancer is so much more common, people often use the terms “endometrial cancer” and “uterine cancer” interchangeably.

Experts consider uterine cancer stage 1 when it’s still only present in your uterus. Without treatment, it may spread to your cervix (stage 2), your lymph nodes in your pelvis (stage 3), or beyond (stage 4).

Although uterine cancer typically occurs after menopause, it may occasionally occur earlier in life.

When you and your doctor can work together to recognize and address early uterine cancer symptoms, such as irregular bleeding, promptly, several treatments can be effective.

Stage 1 endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma symptoms include:

  • irregular vaginal bleeding, which may include:
    • bleeding between periods
    • postmenopause bleeding
    • atypically heavy or long periods, especially in people above 40 years old
  • unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery or reddish
  • lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramping

Stage 1 uterine sarcoma symptoms include all of the above and a:

  • mass or lump in your vaginal area
  • sensation of fullness in your abdomen
  • frequent urge to urinate

Keep in mind that these symptoms, particularly irregular bleeding between periods, may be symptoms of other conditions, so follow up with a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.

Later stage symptoms of either form of uterine cancer may include:

  • increased pelvic pain or pressure
  • pain during sex
  • unintentional weight loss
  • difficulty urinating
  • bowel habit changes
  • atypical fatigue
  • unexplainable abdominal bloating

Unlike other cancer types, such as breast cancer, no routine screening tests exist yet for those without symptoms. That’s why monitoring for unusual symptoms and speaking with a healthcare professional about them is especially important.

As with many other cancer forms, early detection can improve treatment outcomes.

To effectively diagnose uterine cancer, a doctor may perform:

Uterine cancer tends to occur more often in:

  • females above 50 years old
  • people with obesity
  • those with hormonal imbalances (such as imbalances from polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS])
  • individuals who have received estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy
  • people who have never been pregnant
  • those experiencing early onset menstruation or late menopause
  • individuals with a family history of uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer
  • people with the genetic disorder Lynch syndrome

If you think you may be at risk of uterine cancer, genetic testing may be an option for you to help identify potential risk factors in your DNA.

Treatments for uterine cancer depend on its type, progression, and location. In the earliest stages, surgery may often be sufficient to resolve it. In general, treatments may include:

  • Surgery: Typically, a hysterectomy (uterus removal) may be enough to completely remove the cancer if it’s just in your uterus. Occasionally, surgical removal of your ovaries or fallopian tubes may also be necessary.
  • Radiation therapy: If the cancer spreads to other areas, doctors may use high energy radiation to remove it.
  • Chemotherapy: Doctors may use chemotherapy to shrink or remove cancer cells that have spread to other body parts.
  • Other forms of therapy: Typically, drug therapy may block cancer cell growth or spread in recurrent cases. Doctors may also give hormone therapy treatment, including progesterone or estrogen-lowering therapy.

Whether you have received a uterine cancer diagnosis recently or are concerned you may have it, speaking with your doctor about concerns or questions you may have can give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Some questions to consider include:

  • If you’re concerned about symptoms: Am I at risk of uterine cancer? Do you recommend any tests or screenings? How soon can we complete these tests, and how long will it take to get results?
  • If you have received a diagnosis: What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my outlook? What treatment options are available, and what are the potential side effects?
  • If you’re concerned about insurance or finances: Do you accept Medicare or offer payment plans? Are there clinical trials that may be appropriate for my needs?
  • To learn more about your care plan: How will this diagnosis and treatment affect my fertility (if applicable)? Will this plan cure the cancer or help manage it? What are the odds of each?
  • To learn more about post-treatment: How likely will the cancer return? How often will I need follow-up visits and tests? Am I at a higher risk of other cancer types? What types of lifestyle changes do you recommend?
  • For more support: What support groups or counseling services do you recommend? Can you provide further resources for support or education?

Recognizing uterine symptoms early on can help greatly improve treatment outcomes. Uterine cancer may be highly treatable, especially when you receive treatment in stage 1.

If you notice symptoms like atypical vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, especially if you’re experiencing postmenopause, contact a medical professional as soon as possible. In the United States, you can find a cancer screening location near you at the American Cancer Society.