What is the difference between endometrial cancer and uterine cancer

Cancer confined to the uterine cervix is treated differently from uterine cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer in a separate guide on this website. The rest of this section covers the more common endometrial adenocarcinoma cancer.

A higher risk for uterine cancers can be inherited, meaning it is passed from generation to generation, or may skip a generation to appear in the next. The syndrome most commonly associated with inherited uterine cancer is called Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is also associated with several other types of cancer, including types of colon, kidney, bladder, and ovarian cancers. When cells divide and multiply, DNA errors can occur. There are 6 proteins in the body that fix these errors.

If 1 of these proteins does not work properly, errors in the DNA can accumulate and yield enough DNA damage that cancer may develop. The main sign of Lynch syndrome is dMMR. Cancer can be tested for Lynch syndrome through a special staining process called immunohistochemistry IHC. Most cases of Lynch syndrome are due to deficiencies in 1 of 4 DNA repair proteins. Only these 4 proteins are routinely tested by IHC. However, IHC is a screening test, and further genetic tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.

Not all people who have a tumor which lacks 1 or more of these DNA repair proteins has Lynch syndrome. The changes can also be due to a process called DNA methylation, which typically silences 1 of the more common dMMR genes in the tumor. Family members may wish to be tested, too. People affected by Lynch syndrome should tell their doctors so they can receive increased screening for Lynch-associated cancers, such as more frequent colonoscopies.

Other family members may consider preventive surgery for uterine and ovarian cancers. If you have uterine cancer, ask your doctor if the cancer can be tested for Lynch syndrome and other possible inherited conditions.

Learn more about Lynch syndrome in another section on this website. If you would like more of an introduction, explore this related item. Please note that this link will take you to another section on Cancer. This free fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print. The next section in this guide is Statistics. Living Beyond Uterine Endometrial Cancer. Uterine Endometrial Cancer Clinical Trials. MSK Earns U. Learn more.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma : This type of uterine cancer forms in the glandular cells of the uterine lining. It accounts for as much as 75 percent of all uterine cancers. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is commonly detected early and has a high cure rate. Serous adenocarcinoma : These tumors are more likely to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. About 10 percent of uterine cancers diagnosed are of this type. Adenosquamous carcinoma : This rare form of uterine cancer has elements of both adenocarcinoma and carcinoma of the squamous cells that line the outer surface of the uterus.

Carcinomasarcoma : This rare form of uterine cancer was previously thought to be a type of uterine sarcoma. However, it is now felt to be a uterine endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, but many women are not familiar with the risk factors or symptoms of the disease. Endometrial and uterine cancer are the same disease. But uterine sarcoma is an entirely different entity that has very different symptoms and treatments from uterine cancer.

When cancer forms in the lining of the uterus, it is referred to as endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcoma, meanwhile, forms in the uterine muscle. Risk factors for endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma differ, too.

The main risk factors for uterine sarcoma include:. While these and other symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancers of the uterus, you should consult your doctor for an exam if you experience them, since many types of uterine cancer are highly treatable if diagnosed early. Treatment options for endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma are also similar. Most patients with uterine cancer are stage 1 and do not require further treatment other than surgery.

Uterine sarcomas, because of their aggressive nature, are often treated with chemotherapy after surgery. The type of chemotherapy depends upon the type of uterine sarcoma.