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The early signs of endometrial cancer may be ignored by many women. As the cancer progresses, the symptoms may become more severe. The most common signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:

• Abnormal spotting, bleeding or discharge from the vagina. It is especially important for post-menopausal patients to report any spotting or bleeding to their physician. Approximately 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience postmenopausal or unusual spotting or bleeding, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Although this symptom can accompany certain noncancerous conditions, such as hyperplasia (an irregular increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ), patients are urged to have an immediate medical evaluation of abnormal bleeding.
  
  It is important to note that the absence of visible blood in an irregular vaginal discharge does not mean that a patient is free of cancer. The ACS estimates that approximately 10 percent of endometrial cancers are accompanied by white rather than bloody discharge.
  
  
• Pelvic mass and/or pain and weight loss. These symptoms typically occur in the later stages of endometrial cancer. However, failure to seek prompt medical attention may allow the cancer to progress even further, thereby reducing the odds of successful treatment.
  
  
• General weakness or fatigue
  
  
• Difficult or painful urination
  
  
• Painful intercourse
  

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer and discussing them with a physician in a timely manner results in early detection of the disease in most cases. Early detection of endometrial cancer increases the likelihood that treatment will be successful. However, some cases of endometrial cancer may become advanced before recognizable signs and symptoms occur.