Uterine Cancer

About Uterine Cancer

Uterine sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts in the muscle and supporting tissues of the uterus.

Sarcomas are cancers that start from tissues like muscle, fat, bone and fibrous tissue (the material that forms tendons and ligaments). Cancers that start in epithelial cells, the cells that line or cover most organs, are called carcinomas.

More than 95% of uterine cancers are carcinomas. If a carcinoma starts in the cervix, it is a cervical carcinoma. Carcinomas starting in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, are endometrial carcinomas.

Another type of cancer that starts in the uterus is called carcinosarcoma. These cancers start in the endometrium and have features of both sarcomas and carcinomas. These cancers are also known as malignant mixed mesodermal tumors or malignant mixed Mullerian tumors.

Symptoms

Abnormal bleeding or spotting
Pelvic pain and/or a mass
Vaginal discharge

Risk Factors

Pelvic radiation therapy
Race
RB gene changes