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According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 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). If the squamous cells appear benign (noncancerous) under a microscope, and the glandular cells appear malignant (cancerous), these tumors are known as adenoacanthomas.

If both the squamous and glandular cells look malignant, these tumors are known as adenosquamous carcinomas. Although they are different in appearance, adenosquamous carcinomas are considered to behave in the same way as pure endometrial adenocarcinomas.

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.

It is important to note that fibroids, which are benign tumors that often develop in the wall of the uterus, are not cancer. These can, however, require a hysterectomy or other treatment. Fibroids are often referred to as tumors or growths by medical professionals. Women should understand that these tumors do not mean cancer. If a hysterectomy is performed for fibroids, it is for other medical reasons, not the removal of cancer.