General Surgery
General surgeons are doctors who are board certified as specialists in many different types of surgery. At Main Line Health, our general surgeons are an important part of your care team.
Uterine Cancer
About uterine cancer
The uterus (womb) is usually pear-shaped, about the size of a fist and protects a growing baby during pregnancy. It’s located in the pelvic region (lower belly) between the bladder and the rectum.
Uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. It’s the most common type of gynecologic cancer, but the good news is that it has a high cure rate when detected early.
Common symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Abnormal, watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
Who is at risk for uterine cancer?
While the exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, cells in the uterine walls (myometrium) or uterine lining (endometrium) can mutate and form tumors.
You may be at increased risk for developing uterine cancer if you:
- Are age 50 or older
- Eat a diet high in animal fats
- Have family hustory of colon cancer, diabetes and/or ovarian tumors
- Have a family history of gynecologic cancer
- Began menstruating before age 12
- Began menopause after age 50
- Have had estrogen replacement therapy
- Have never been pregnant
Diagnosing and treating uterine cancer
To diagnose uterine cancer, your provider will perform a physical exam, pelvic exam and review your medical history. They’ll also likely order one or more of the following:
- Blood test
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, transvaginal ultrasound)
- Biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
Most people with uterine cancer will require surgery, usually a hysterectomy. Additional treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells
- Immunotherapy, which supports your immune system to help your body fight cancer
- Targeted therapy where treatment is directed to specific cancer cells to stop them from multiplying and preserve healthy cells
Treatments
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to fight almost every type of cancer and is part of the comprehensive treatment plan created by our oncologists.
Surgical Oncology
Cancer Care
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, Main Line Health cancer specialists (oncologists) provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer treatment.
Women's Health
Discover how Main Line Health provides comprehensive and compassionate care for women in all stages of life.
Gynecology
Whether you’re seeing us for common gynecological problems or seeking out advanced therapies and the very best surgical expertise, our physicians, board-certified are here for in gynecology, are here for you every stage of your life from adolescence through the childbearing years into menopause and beyond.
Hematology and Blood Disorders
Whether you are fighting cancer or managing a blood disorder, the hematologists and oncologists at Main Line Health offer the comprehensive care you need.