2011 Cancer Committee Members - Erlanger Health System

Uterine Corpus (Endometrium)
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 46,470 cases of the uterine corpus (body of the
uterus) are expected to be diagnosed in 2011. These usually occur in the endometrium (lining of the uterus).
Since 1992, incidence rates of endometrial cancer have been stable in white women, but increasing in African
American women by 1.7% per year.
An estimated 8,120 deaths are expected in 2011. Similar to incidence, death rates for cancer
of the uterine corpus have been stable in white women, but increasing in African-American
women by 0.8% per year since 1998.
Signs and symptoms
Abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting (especially in postmenopausal women) is a frequent early sign. Pain
during urination, intercourse, or in the pelvic area is also a symptom.
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Uterine Corpus
Risk factors
Obesity and greater abdominal fatness increase the risk of endometrial cancer, most likely by increasing
the amount of estrogen in the body. Increased estrogen exposure is a strong risk factor for endometrial
cancer. Other factors that increase estrogen exposure include menopausal estrogen therapy (without use of
progestin), late menopause, never having children, and a history of polycystic ovary syndrome. (Estrogen
plus progestin menopausal hormone therapy does not appear to increase risk.) Tamoxifen use increases risk
slightly because it has estrogen-like effects on the uterus. Medical conditions that increase risk include Lynch
syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), and diabetes. Pregnancy, use of
oral contraceptives, and physical activity provide protection against endometrial cancer.
Early detection
There is no standard or routine screening test for endometrial cancer. Most endometrial cancer (69%) is
diagnosed at an early stage because of postmenopausal bleeding. Women are encouraged to report any unexpected
bleeding or spotting to their physicians. The American Cancer Society recommends that women
with Lynch syndrome, or who are otherwise at high risk for endometrial cancer, should be offered annual
screening with endometrial biopsy and/or transvaginal ultrasound beginning at 35 years of age.
Treatment
Uterine corpus cancers are usually treated with surgery, radiation, hormones, and/or chemotherapy, depending
on the stage of disease.
*Above information taken from the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures 2011