At Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, our gynecologic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus. As leaders in the field, we are at the forefront of today’s advances in endometrial cancer research and treatment. Our team offers compassionate and personalized diagnosis and care. We benefit from an internationally recognized multidisciplinary program, bringing together experts in surgical and medical care, pathology, radiation oncology, nursing, genetics, infertility, sexual health, pharmacy, social work, palliative care, and research.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. It starts in the uterus, a hollow organ shaped like an upside-down pear. The uterus has different parts: the fundus, which is the top part connected to the fallopian tubes; the corpus, where a fertilized egg attaches during pregnancy; the isthmus, a narrow section leading to the cervix; and the cervix, which is the lowest part.
The uterus has three layers. The outer protective layer is called the perimetrium. The middle layer, the myometrium, is muscular and expands during pregnancy and contracts during childbirth. The innermost layer, the endometrium, is where endometrial cancer begins. This layer thickens and sheds during menstrual cycles.
The exact cause of endometrial cancer remains unknown to medical professionals. However, it is understood that certain changes, or mutations, occur in the DNA of endometrial cells, leading to the transformation of healthy cells into abnormal ones. Unlike healthy cells that grow and multiply at a regulated pace, eventually dying off as part of a natural cycle, abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and do not undergo programmed cell death. This uncontrolled cell growth can lead to the formation of an abnormal mass, or tumor.
Uterine cancer is an overarching term used to describe cancer that originates in the uterus. It encompasses two main types:
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