Uterine and Endometrial Cancers

When you have uterine cancer, count on the specialists at Nuvance Health^® Cancer Institute to provide expert care. You receive a customized plan for your needs and support every step of the way.

What Is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer begins in the uterus (womb), a hollow organ in the pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining (endometrium) of the uterus.

Uterine Cancer Care at Nuvance Health: Why Choose Us?

We provide the full range of uterine cancer diagnosis, treatment and supportive care services. Highlights of our program include:

Experienced specialists
Your specialists are board-certified in gynecologic cancers and completed additional fellowship training at renowned cancer centers. Their expertise means you receive targeted, appropriate care.

Multidisciplinary approach
Your care team collaborates to provide effective care. We integrate best practices by reviewing cases in tumor boards and specialized clinics.

Advanced procedures
Surgeons perform many procedures using minimally invasive methods that can lead to smaller incisions and a faster recovery. We can often perform fertility-sparing surgery as well.

Personalized care
Your team takes the time to discuss your options and answer your questions. Your nurse navigator provides dedicated support throughout your care.

Genetic Counseling and Testing for Uterine Cancer

Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of uterine cancer. Nuvance Health offers dedicated genetic counselors to discuss your family history and tests to assess your risk. Explore genetic counseling for cancer.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
• Pelvic pain

Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection for Endometrial Cancer

Your lymph system carries infection-fighting white blood cells through your body, and lymph nodes help filter and attack germs. Sentinel lymph node mapping allows the surgeon to detect the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes without long-term side effects like chronic leg swelling (lymphedema). It can also help us determine whether you need treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Diagnosing Uterine Cancer

Pathologists with specific training in uterine cancer use advanced technology to make a precise diagnosis. Your doctor may order one or more tests that create detailed pictures of your organs, including:

Imaging tests

• Computed tomography (CT): We take many X-rays from different angles to produce cross-sections of specific areas.
• Ultrasound: We use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures in your body.

Other diagnostic procedures

• Pelvic exam: Examining the vagina and abdomen
• Blood tests: Checking your blood for mutations linked to uterine cancer.
• Diagnostic surgery: Placing a small camera into the uterus to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm a diagnosis.
• Endometrial biopsy: A small instrument is inserted into the uterus to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm a diagnosis. This can be done in an outpatient clinical setting.

Uterine Cancer Treatment

We offer comprehensive treatment for uterine cancer, including:

• Surgery to remove the tumor or affected organs.
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Medical oncology, a group of treatments that use drugs and other substances to fight cancer cells. Read more about chemotherapy and other medical oncology.
• Radiation therapy uses rays of energy to shrink the cancer or remove traces of cancer that remain after surgery. Explore radiation therapy.
• Supportive care may include assistance from social workers and therapies to reduce the side effects of treatment. Find out more about supportive therapies.
• Clinical trials can provide access to novel treatments not yet widely available. Learn more about clinical trials and research.

Advanced Surgery for Uterine Cancer

We can perform many surgeries using minimally invasive methods to help make your recovery faster and easier. These options include:

• Laparoscopy: We make small incisions in the abdomen and use a thin, flexible instrument with a camera on the tip to guide the procedure.
• Robotic surgery: Your surgeon uses a robotic system to assist in laparoscopic procedures. The robot allows us to operate using 3D vision and precise movements