What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the womb. The most noticeable presentation is bleeding that is different from a person's usual pattern: spotting between periods, bleeding after sex, heavier or longer periods, or any bleeding after menopause. Watery or blood-stained discharge may also occur. Less commonly, people notice persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort during sex. These symptoms have many possible causes, including hormonal changes, fibroids, polyps, infection, or endometrial hyperplasia. The symptom pattern cannot confirm cancer, but unusual bleeding should not be ignored.

Arrange a gynaecological assessment for bleeding between periods, a changed menstrual pattern, or any postmenopausal bleeding. The clinician may ask about cycle timing, medicines, pregnancy possibility, and previous womb conditions. Tests can include an examination, ultrasound, and a sample of the womb lining when needed. If cancer is confirmed, treatment planning may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy depending on the findings.

Seek prompt assessment for any bleeding after menopause or bleeding that repeatedly occurs outside your expected period. Seek urgent help if bleeding is heavy enough to cause dizziness, faintness, breathlessness, or marked weakness, or if it occurs with severe pelvic pain. These situations require timely evaluation regardless of the eventual cause.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether the womb lining needs imaging or sampling, and when results will be available. Tell the clinician about bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, family history of Lynch syndrome, and any previous diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia.