Womb cancer: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
Womb cancer develops from the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) and is most common in women after the menopause. Its most important and earliest sign is any bleeding after the menopause; thanks to this, most cases are caught at an early stage. Obesity, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome are risk factors. It is a different disease from cervical cancer.
Which doctor should I see for womb cancer?
For womb cancer you can first see: Obstetrics & Gynecology. In large hospitals the Gynaecological Oncology unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of womb cancer?
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after the menopause
- Irregular, long-lasting bleeding before the menopause
- Watery or bloody discharge
- Pelvic pain at a later stage
What causes womb cancer?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Obesity
- 2Unopposed oestrogen (no ovulation, PCOS)
- 3Diabetes
- 4Never having given birth, late menopause
- 5Some breast cancer medicines
- 6Inherited syndromes (Lynch)
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Has there been any bleeding after the menopause
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Do not assume bleeding after the menopause is “my period coming back”; get examined.
- Reaching a healthy weight lowers the risk.
See a doctor if
- Any bleeding after the menopause
- Women over 45 with irregular bleeding
How long does it last and how is it treated?
At an early stage, the cure rate is high with removal of the womb and ovaries; depending on stage, radiotherapy and drug treatments are added.
Who gets womb cancer?
- Women over 50
- Overweight women and women with diabetes
- Women with PCOS
How is it diagnosed?
The thickness of the endometrium is measured with transvaginal ultrasound; the diagnosis is made by taking a sample (biopsy) from inside the womb.
Can it be prevented?
- A healthy weight, regular activity and early assessment of irregular bleeding.
Find a gynecologist in your city
Gynecologists in Turkish cities who can help with womb cancer.
People also describe it as
- “I have had bleeding after the menopause”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for womb cancer?
For womb cancer you can first see: Obstetrics & Gynecology. In large hospitals, the Gynaecological Oncology unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of womb cancer?
Common symptoms: vaginal bleeding or spotting after the menopause; irregular, long-lasting bleeding before the menopause; watery or bloody discharge; pelvic pain at a later stage. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes womb cancer?
The most common causes: obesity; unopposed oestrogen (no ovulation, PCOS); diabetes; never having given birth, late menopause; some breast cancer medicines; inherited syndromes (Lynch). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does womb cancer last and how is it treated?
At an early stage, the cure rate is high with removal of the womb and ovaries; depending on stage, radiotherapy and drug treatments are added.
Who gets womb cancer?
It is more common in: women over 50; overweight women and women with diabetes; women with PCOS.
How is womb cancer diagnosed?
The thickness of the endometrium is measured with transvaginal ultrasound; the diagnosis is made by taking a sample (biopsy) from inside the womb.
Can womb cancer be prevented?
A healthy weight, regular activity and early assessment of irregular bleeding.
Is bleeding after the menopause normal?
No; any bleeding after the menopause should be assessed.
What is the difference between womb cancer and cervical cancer?
Womb cancer develops from the inner lining of the womb; cervical cancer develops from the cervix and is mostly caused by HPV.
When is womb cancer an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Has there been any bleeding after the menopause?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for womb cancer?
See a doctor: any bleeding after the menopause; women over 45 with irregular bleeding.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.