The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding.

The likelihood that postmenopausal bleeding is caused by endometrial cancer increases with age, rising from less than 1% under age 55, to about 3% at age 55, and up to 24% over age 80.

Other early symptoms of endometrial cancer may include pelvic pain or pressure. Later stage symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, the feeling of a mass in the pelvic region, bloating, feeling full quickly, and/or changes in bowel/bladder habits.

Another sign of endometrial cancer may be abnormal pap test results. Your doctor will discuss appropriate next steps with you if you have an abnormal pap test.

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing endometrial cancer involves a physical exam, imaging (such as a transvaginal ultrasound), biopsy, and molecular testing to determine the type of endometrial cancer.

Most of the time, endometrial cancer is diagnosed in early stages, but that requires that patients can recognize the symptoms, especially abnormal vaginal bleeding.

If your doctor suspects an endometrial cancer diagnosis based on symptoms and risk factors, a referral to a gynecologic oncologist (a medical doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system) is very important.

At this time, detecting endometrial cancer depends on recognizing symptoms and, for people with Lynch syndrome, having regular check-ups and tests to look for early signs of cancer.