Uterine Cancer Diagnosed and Treated by Mercy's Gynecologic Oncologists

For early diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer, it is important to find the best doctors who have a thorough understanding and experience recognizing the symptoms of uterine cancer, also referred to as endometrial cancer. Surgeons of The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy in Baltimore have the knowledge and skills needed for treating female reproductive tract cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine or endometrial cancers.

Endometrial Biopsy

The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy

The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy is one of the top rated Gynecologic Cancer Centers in Baltimore and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Mercy's renowned cancer center provides advanced treatment options for ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. Dr. Dwight Im is the Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Center. He is joined by an expert team of oncology surgeons. Learn more at mdmercy.com or call 1-800-MD-Mercy to make an appointment.

Brachytherapy for Uterine Cancer - Dr. Maria Jacobs - Mercy

Mercy radiation oncologist Dr. Maria Jacobs discusses the use of brachytherapy - a direct, targeted radiation therapy for uterine cancer. Learn more at mdmercy.com.

New Options in Treating Endometrial Cancer - Dr. Peter Ledakis - Mercy

Mercy oncologist Dr. Peter Ledakis discusses endometrial cancer treatment options. Learn more at mdmercy.com

About Uterine Cancer / Endometrial Cancer

There are two kinds of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer, the most common type of uterine cancer, begins in the uterus lining. Uterine sarcoma, the least common type of uterine cancer, begins in the uterus' muscle wall. Uterine cancer usually is diagnosed at an early stage since it often forms after menopause when uterine cancer symptoms are more likely to be noticed and addressed.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

The most common uterine cancer symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding sometimes accompanied by pelvic pain or pressure. It is important to receive a pelvic exam when any of the following uterine cancer symptoms occur:

Abnormal bleeding or discharge
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Trouble urinating

Tests for Uterine Cancer

There is no specific screening to test for uterine cancer. If abnormalities of the uterus are found during a pelvic exam, the following tests may be performed to determine if uterine cancer is present:

Transvaginal ultrasound - through use of soundwaves, an image is created allowing for a full view of the uterus
Hysteroscopy - to provide a full view of the uterus, a lighted, flexible tube with a lens is inserted into the uterus
Biopsy - a sample of tissue is taken from the uterus and tested for uterine cancer
Dilation and curettage (D&C) - under general anesthesia, tissue is scraped or snipped from the uterus to be examined for uterine cancer

Stages of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer often is detected at an early stage. The stages of uterine cancer include:

Stage I - uterine cancer is only in the uterus
Stage II - uterine cancer is in the uterus and cervix
Stage III - uterine cancer is in the pelvic area, including lymph nodes
Stage IV - uterine cancer has spread to organs such as lungs, bowel, bladder, and abdomen

Treatment Options for Uterine Cancer / Endometrial Cancer

Uterine cancer treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. If uterine cancer is detected early, a hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus, often is sufficient for eliminating the uterine cancer. In advanced stages of uterine cancer, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed along with the uterus. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used individually or in combination to treat uterine cancer following a hysterectomy. Radiation can be used to control pain as well as reduce the risk of uterine cancer recurrence.

The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy provides advanced treatment options for ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers.