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What is Endometrial Cancer?
The uterus is the hollow organ in the female reproductive system where the fetus develops during pregnancy. The uterus has an inner lining (endometrium) that grows each month and then is sloughed off as menstrual flow if the woman does not become pregnant. The uterus also has a muscle wall (myometrium) that contracts when the woman has a baby. The majority of uterine cancers form in the endometrium.
Types of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancers are often divided into two types:
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Type 1 endometrial cancers
Type 1 endometrial cancers are believed to be related to increased estrogen exposure. The cell type is called endometroid adenocarcinoma. Endometrioid adenocarcinomas form in the glandular cells that make up the inner lining of the endometrium, and account for about 80% of endometrial cancers.
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Type 2 endometrial cancers
Type 2 endometrial cancers are not related to increased estrogen exposure and are often more aggressive. The cell types include serous, clear cell, and carcinosarcomas. These cancers arise in the endometrial lining but have a higher chance of spreading outside of the uterus than Type 1 cancers. Carcinosarcomas are mixed tumors that form in the endometrium, but have characteristics of both adenocarcinomas and sarcomas, which are rare and start in the muscle wall. These cancers are classified as an aggressive form of carcinoma, rather than a sarcoma.
