Page Contents
It is important to know the symptoms and signs of endometrial cancer so that you know when to go to your primary care provider for an exam.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be endometrial cancer. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started with screening. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Symptoms and Signs of Endometrial Cancer
If you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding, this could be a symptom of endometrial cancer — or another condition that is not cancer. Examples of abnormal bleeding are:
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Bleeding or spotting after menopause
Some women with endometrial cancer have vaginal discharge that isn’t typical but doesn’t appear to have blood in it.
These may also be warning signs of endometrial cancer, but they are not common:
- Pain in the pelvic area
- A mass or a sense of fullness in the pelvic area
- Difficult or painful urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Losing weight for no clear reason
Often, the same signs or symptoms of endometrial cancer are caused by other conditions that aren’t cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms, let your primary care provider know. They can help you figure out the cause.
Precancerous Condition: Complex Hyperplasia with Atypia
If you have symptoms of endometrial cancer, your care team may recommend a biopsy (taking samples of tissue to check under a microscope in a lab). Sometimes a biopsy shows precancerous changes of the endometrium called complex hyperplasia with atypia. Risk is high that 25% to 50% of women with this result will go on to have endometrial cancer.
Learn more about reducing your risk and how endometrial cancer is diagnosed.
Normalizing Conversations About Endometrial Cancer Symptoms
When Margie Wilson was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2016 after she experienced unexplained bleeding, she knew nothing about cancer. She didn’t even know what an oncologist does. Now she is a vocal patient advocate who speaks candidly about her diagnosis and treatment.
Your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms, your health history and your family history. They may ask about factors that might put you at risk for cancer or other conditions that might cause the same symptoms. They’ll examine you to check for clues about what’s been bothering you. Your provider will probably do a general physical exam and then a pelvic exam.
Based on your conversation and exam, your provider may order tests to get more information. Learn more about endometrial cancer diagnosis.