How common is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in American women and the most common female reproductive cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS estimates that more than 40,000 American women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2008. The death rate from this disease declined for 15 years until the early 1990s and has remained stable since then.

Is endometrial cancer the only kind of uterine cancer?

No. Although it is commonly called uterine cancer, endometrial cancer is only one type of uterine cancer. Other, less common, forms of uterine cancer also exist.

Do any different kinds of endometrial cancer exist?

Yes. According to the ACS, more than 90 percent of all endometrial cancers develop from a layer of glandular cells called the endometrial epithelium. Cancers of these cells are called adenocarcinomas. Sometimes these glandular cells are accompanied by squamous cells, a type of cell found on the skin and the surface of the cervix. Several subtypes of adenocarcinomas can be defined based on whether or not these squamous cells are cancerous. Other, less common types of endometrial cancer include clear cell and papillary serous adenocarcinomas. These are different from most endometrial cancers because they tend to develop and spread more rapidly.

Does the presence of uterine fibroids signify cancer?