Uterine cancer

The two main types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer — the most common type — and uterine sarcoma, which is very rare. Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Uterine cancer treatment often requires surgery to remove the cancer.

Why choose UF Health Jacksonville?

UF Health Gynecologic Oncology in Jacksonville provides diagnostic and patient care services for women with cancers occurring in the female reproductive organs. Our University of Florida gynecologic oncologists are part of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists at the UF Health Cancer Center.

If you are diagnosed with uterine cancer, our specialists will work together to offer the latest, most comprehensive cancer care with one goal in mind — to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

Uterine cancer: What you need to know

• Uterine cancer symptoms include bleeding between periods or after menopause. Some women may also experience lower abdominal pain or unusual discharge.

• Diagnosis may include blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scan. An endometrial biopsy may also be used to confirm a diagnosis.

• Endometrial cancer usually occurs in postmenopausal women who are overweight and more often diabetic. Use of hormones, such as estrogen, or treatment with Tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention also increases the risk of developing uterine cancer.
• In most cases, surgery is the treatment for uterine cancer. Other options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy.

Uterine cancer: Treatment

• Surgery is the most common treatment for uterine cancer and can often be performed with minimally invasive techniques. Our specialists have extensive experience with minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery techniques and access to the most advanced technologies.
• Some patients may require treatment with radiation therapy after recovery from surgery. Your physicians will design your treatment plan based on the extent of the cancer and your overall health.
• Your treatment plan may also include chemotherapy or hormone therapy.