What is uterine cancer?
The uterus (or womb) is part of a woman’s reproductive system. It is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby (fetus) grows before being born. The lower part of the uterus is called the cervix. The cervix leads into the vagina.
The uterus is mostly muscle. Uterine cancer starts in the cells lining the uterus. The lining inside the uterus is called the endometrium.
The endometrium is made up of tissue with many glands. This lining re-grows each month and is usually shed during your monthly menstrual period. Your periods stop temporarily during pregnancy. Normally your periods will continue until you reach menopause.
Cancer that starts in the lining inside the uterus is called uterine cancer (or endometrial carcinoma). Cancer that starts in the muscle layers of the uterus is called uterine sarcoma.
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Uterine sarcoma behaves differently from uterine cancer and is treated differently. For information about uterine sarcoma or other cancers of the uterus,e-mail us or call our Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333. |
Last modified on:
13 December 2009
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