Endometrial (Uterine Cancer)

Endometrial (Uterine Cancer)


Uterine Cancer (Endometrial and Sarcoma)

Uterine and endometrial cancers are the most common cancers associated with the female reproductive system. Of these, approximately 95% are diagnosed as highly curable endometrial cancers. Because these types of cancers usually present with obvious symptoms and are typically detected early, the fatality rate is very low (approximately 10%).

Though uterine cancers are rare in young adults, we provide additional resources to women between the ages of 15 and 39 through our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program. Learn more.

Call 914.493.2181 to Request an Appointment or Make a Referral

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is characterized by cancerous cells growing on the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). During a woman’s childbearing years, the endometrium tissue grows each month in preparation for supporting an embryo. The endometrium sheds during the menstrual period when pregnancy does not occur. Endometrial cancer may be treated via surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Additional therapies may be available to you through clinical trials. For women of child-bearing age diagnosed with endometrial cancer, we offer fertility-sparing options. Talk to your gynecologic oncologist at Westchester Medical Center to learn more.

Testing for Lynch Syndrome

Recent guidelines suggest all women diagnosed with endometrial cancer also undergo tumor testing for Lynch Syndrome, an inherited cancer syndrome that is associated with increased risk for various cancers, especially colorectal cancer. This genetic testing is available through your care providers at Westchester Medical Center.

Uterine Sarcoma

Fewer than five percent of uterine cancers are sarcomas. Unlike endometrial cancer, which originates in the epithelial cells (cells lining organs), sarcoma cancers begin in tissues, such as muscle, fat or bone. Having had pelvic radiation in the past may increase risk for uterine sarcoma. Abnormal bleeding can be a sign of uterine sarcoma. Standard treatment options for uterine sarcoma include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, your gynecologic oncologist with WMCHealth may be able to connect you with clinical trials, should you be an eligible candidate.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Uterine and Endometrial Cancers

Surgical interventions are common with uterine and endometrial cancers. Westchester Medical Center’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology utilizes laparoscopic surgery whenever possible to treat both benign and malignant conditions such as early endometrial (uterus), cervical and ovarian cancers. This minimally invasive approach leaves less scarring and allows for accelerated healing with the same outcomes as more traditional “open” surgery.

Our Gynecologic Oncologists at Westchester Medical Center perform a high volume of robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, offering treatment of complex benign and cancerous gynecologic conditions. For eligible patients, a minimally invasive approach results in less pain, quicker recovery, and a decreased risk of infection or other complications. Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery may be used for:

  • Surgical management of ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and endometriosis
  • Hysterectomy for benign conditions, as well as for endometrial cancer, early cervical cancer and early ovarian cancer
  • Lymph node dissection, including Sentinel lymph node biopsies for gynecologic cancers

Targeted therapies and custom-tailored treatment plans are the basis of patient care in Westchester Medical Center’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology. For more information about uterine and endometrial cancer treatments available to you, please call 914.493.2181.