Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer - Exams and Tests

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Most cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed in an early stage. This is because women who have reached menopause usually see their doctors when they have vaginal bleeding. To check your symptoms, your doctor will perform a medical history and physical exam. The physical exam will include a pelvic exam and Pap test.

An endometrial biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. A biopsy removes a small sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination under a microscope.

Additional tests may include:

  • A transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the uterus. The images can show how thick the endometrium is. A thick endometrium can be a sign of cancer in postmenopausal women. Ultrasound also can help show whether cancer has grown into the uterine muscle (myometrium).
  • A hysteroscopy, which allows your doctor to view the inside of the uterus and obtain an endometrial tissue sample.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C), which is done to obtain a sample of tissue from the inside of the uterus. A D&C is sometimes done at the same time as a hysteroscopy.

Testing for endometrial cancer may show that you have endometrial hyperplasia. This is not cancer but may develop into cancer. One type of hyperplasia, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, progresses to cancer in about 1 out of 3 women.1

Tests to find out the extent (stage) of endometrial cancer include:

Your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer at the time of your surgery. Other tests done before surgery may include:

An imaging test may be done before surgery to look for spread (metastasis) of cancer in the abdomen and pelvis. This helps with planning for treatment. Imaging tests include the following:

After endometrial cancer is confirmed, surgery is usually done to remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Sometimes the pelvic lymph nodes Click here to see an illustration. are also removed. The removed tissue is examined to find out the stage and grade of cancer.

Early detection

There is no early detection test for endometrial cancer. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a medical evaluation. Unexpected bleeding, or more bleeding than normal, can be a symptom of endometrial cancer.

The American Cancer Society advises women who are nearing menopause to learn about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer.4

  • Women are advised to report to their doctors any unexpected bleeding or spotting or unusual vaginal discharge.
  • Women at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) are advised to get checked every year starting at age 35.4 These women also have a high risk of getting ovarian and uterine cancer. High-risk women who have no pregnancy plans can avoid these cancers by having the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries removed (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).5
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: November 29, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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