Experts in Endometrial Cancer Care
If you have endometrial cancer, your outcomes are likely to be better if a gynecologic oncologist treats you from the beginning. Fred Hutch Cancer Center has more gynecologic oncologists than any other medical center or clinic in the Pacific Northwest. Your Fred Hutch gynecologic oncologist and pathologist specialize in finding out the stage and specific features of your disease. They will design a custom treatment plan to get the best possible outcome for you.
Our endometrial cancer experts provide all standard therapies for this disease. We know how to choose the right ones for you and how to deliver them to give you the best chance at a full recovery. Our physicians and researchers do clinical trials, too (also called clinical studies). Through these trials, we are able to offer you therapies that aren’t offered everywhere.
We integrate supportive care services into your cancer treatment and as part of our holistic approach, we’ll connect you to world-class professionals who can help you, like registered dietitians, physical therapists and psychologists.
Where you are treated matters. Coming to Fred Hutch after an endometrial cancer diagnosis means you are now at the center of one of the most experienced, research-driven, comprehensive cancer care centers in the country.
Understanding the Uterus
The uterus is pear shaped with the narrow end pointing down. This narrow lower end, which extends into the vagina, is the cervix. The wider upper part is the body of the uterus.
There are three layers to the body of the uterus:
- Endometrium, the inner lining
- Myometrium, a thick layer of muscle
- Serosa, the outer covering, or membrane
Connective tissue called stroma supports the other uterine tissues.
About Endometrial Cancer
The terms “endometrial cancer” and “uterine cancer” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
Endometrial cancer starts in the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus). During your menstrual cycle, this lining thickens so it’s ready to support a fertilized egg. If an egg isn’t fertilized, the inner layer is shed as your menstrual flow.
Most cancer in the uterus — more than 95% — starts in the endometrium, nearly always in glandular cells. These cancers are called endometrioid adenocarcinomas.
Cancer can also start in other parts of the uterus, such as uterine leiomyosarcoma, which starts in the thick outer layer of muscle or endometrial stromal sarcoma, which starts in the connective tissue that supports the endometrium. These are not types of endometrial cancer but instead types of uterine sarcoma, which we discuss in its own section of this website.
Although the cervix is part of the uterus, cancer that starts in the cervix is called cervical cancer, and is discussed in its own section.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Endometrial Cancer Care
At Fred Hutch we combine compassionate care with innovative research to address the impact of cancer and infectious disease. We’re driven by the urgency of our patients, the hope of our community and our passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person.
Your primary care provider is a good place to start if you have questions or concerns about your risk of getting cancer. They can also help with any symptoms that might be from cancer or another condition. Before you visit your provider, write down your questions. Bring the list to your appointment.
If you’re concerned about risk, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- Do I have any risk factors for cancer?
- Is there any reason to think I’m at higher risk than the average person?
- If I am at higher risk, what does this mean for me? Do I need any tests or procedures to check for cancer even if I feel fine?
- Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?
If you have symptoms that concern you, here are some questions to ask:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do these symptoms mean I might have a serious condition?
- How can we find out the cause? Do I need any tests?
- What should I do if my symptoms don’t get better or if I get new symptoms?
Endometrial cancer starts when cells in the endometrium grow out of control. Normally, cells in the body grow and multiply to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells get old or damaged, they die and are replaced. Sometimes, this normal process breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t, forming tumors. Some tumors are cancer, and others are benign (noncancerous).
Endometrial cancer spreads by growing into, or invading, nearby tissues. If the cancer cells invade nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels, they can travel through the lymph or blood to distant parts of the body. Then they can form new tumors in these places.
When physicians and scientists talk about cancer survival rates, they typically mean the percentage of people expected to survive their cancer for at least five years after being diagnosed. (The rate doesn’t include the risk of dying during that time for some other reason.) Overall, the relative five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer in the United States is 84%, according to data from the National Cancer Institute.
These rates come from looking at a large, varied group of people. The chance of surviving cancer at least five years after being diagnosed can vary greatly from one person to another. It depends on many factors, like how far the cancer has spread. Your Fred Hutch care team can explain how statistics like survival rates might apply to you.
Learn more about endometrial cancer survival rates.
The Fred Hutch patient and family education team works with other Fred Hutch experts to create reliable resources and select materials from trusted cancer organizations. Find a resource.
