Diagnosis
At Siteman Cancer Center, we make sure you get the right diagnosis — because getting it right the first time can affect how we treat it. Then, we will create a care plan just for you, your cancer, and your life.
Learn more about uterine cancer, getting a diagnosis, and understanding your diagnosis below.
About Uterine Cancer
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is not a single disease. It is a general term for cancers that begin in the uterus — most commonly endometrial cancer, which starts in the uterine lining, and the rarer uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscle or supporting tissues.
At Siteman Cancer Center, our gynecologic oncology specialists treat the full spectrum of uterine cancers, including complex and uncommon cases. Most people receive a uterine cancer diagnosis after menopause, though it can occur earlier. It’s the most common gynecologic cancer.
Advances in minimally invasive surgery, molecular testing and targeted therapy are transforming care. At Siteman, we tailor every treatment plan to the biology of your specific tumor. That means you get the most advanced options available.
What Causes Uterine Cancer?
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. It happens when cells in the uterine lining grow too fast and become abnormal.
It’s not always clear why cells in the endometrium become abnormal. We do know that cells sometimes change because they get too much of the hormone estrogen.
A uterine sarcoma is a rarer type of uterine cancer. Genetic mutations can cause uterine muscle cells and connective tissue cells to turn into cancer cells. These cells then grow uncontrollably.
Getting a Diagnosis
When Should I See a Doctor?
Symptoms of uterine cancer can include:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Pain in the lower belly
- Pain when going to the bathroom
- A feeling of fullness in your abdomen
- A mass (lump or growth) in your pelvic region
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a primary care doctor or your gynecologist, so they can answer your questions first. If needed, they might recommend that you see a gynecologic specialist to do further testing. Getting an opinion from a specialist at Siteman Cancer Center first can make a difference.
Your Second Opinion at Siteman
Siteman wants to be your first choice for cancer care, but that might not always be possible. If you have received a cancer diagnosis, started care somewhere else, or are a physician seeking specialized care for your patient, ask us about a second opinion. You can start the process. To make it easy, our care coordinators guide scheduling for yourself or your patient.
What Should I Expect During a Diagnosis?
There are various tests that diagnose uterine cancer. Your gynecologist, or another specialist, might recommend:
- Ultrasound: During an ultrasound, a doctor or technician will scan your uterus with a small wand. The wand uses sound waves to make a picture of the inside of your body. It can show if there is anything abnormal in your uterus. An ultrasound is a simple, painless test.
- Tissue biopsy: If your doctor suspects a tumor, they’ll collect and test the tissue for cancer cells. This is a biopsy. You can get a uterine biopsy in your doctor’s office. To take a biopsy of the tissue in your uterus, the doctor will place a tiny tube through your cervix.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): You may have a D&C if your doctor needs to take a larger tissue sample from your uterus. During this outpatient procedure, the doctor will remove tissue from the inside of the uterus with a special tool. They will test the tissue samples for signs of cancer. You’ll be asleep during the procedure.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests take pictures of the inside of the body. You may have additional imaging tests to see if cancer has spread beyond your uterus. This might include an MRI, a CT scan, or a PET scan.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
What is the Difference Between Stages 1 – 4 of Uterine Cancer?
Doctors stage uterine cancer from Stage 1 to Stage 4, based on how far the cancer has spread. Cancers caught at Stage 1 are located in the body of the uterus only. At Stage 2, the cancer has spread into the supporting connective tissue of the cervix. By Stage 3, the cancer has spread beyond the uterus but has not yet moved outside the lower belly, or pelvis. At Stage 4, the cancer has grown outside the pelvis into other parts of the body.
Nurses at Siteman answer every call and every form. Speak with them directly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT Monday- Friday for guidance on appointments, second opinions, and referrals.