Womb cancer: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK.  

Find out more about the symptoms to look out for, diagnosis and treatment options available at Cromwell Hospital. 

About womb cancer

There are two types of womb cancer. The first and most common is when the cancer starts in the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer). The second is when the cancer starts in the muscles of the womb (uterine cancer). 

Womb cancer can spread to other parts of your body, so it's important to be aware of symptoms and get them checked out as soon as possible. Our Integrated Cancer Campus provides expert-led consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments for womb cancer.

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Book an appointment today

Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.

+44 (0)20 7244 4886
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Symptoms of womb cancer

The main symptoms of womb cancer are: 

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding (in post-menopausal women) 
  • heavier periods or bleeding that happens between periods (in younger, pre-menopause women) 

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Who is at risk of getting womb cancer?

There are some factors that might put you at higher risk of developing womb cancer: 

  • age (it is most prevalent in women who have been through menopause) 
  • being overweight or obese  
  • women who have not had children 
  • high oestrogen levels 

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How is womb cancer diagnosed?

At Cromwell Hospital, we offer a physical (internal) examination and the following diagnostic options as part of our Gynaecology Rapid Access Clinic: 

  • Transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) - This is an internal ultrasound which is used to see inside the womb. It can check the thickness of the lining of the womb and if there are any changes. 

  • Hysteroscopy - This is a procedure to examine the inside of your  womb in order to diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. During the hysteroscopy a biopsy will be taken from the lining of your womb (the endometrium) to determine if any cells are cancerous. Cromwell Hospital is one of the few private hospitals to provide the hysteroscopy service on weekly basis under local anaesthesia.  

These tests will establish the stage and size of any cancer and enable your consultant to create a personalised treatment plan for you.

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Womb cancer treatment

If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed,  you may be recommended one of, or a combination of, the following treatments depending on your personal needs:   

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For women who have been through the menopause, surgical treatment generally involves a hysterectomy to remove the womb, as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. 

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy destroy cancer cells in the body. 

Radiotherapy does this by using high doses of radiation to kill off the cancerous tumours. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs specifically designed to kill cancer cells. 

Our consultants will talk to you about your options and provide a recommended, personalised treatment plan based on your individual situation.  At Cromwell Hospital, we offer a range of different payment options for our services including private health insurance or paying for yourself. 

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Why choose us for womb cancer treatment?

Seamless and rapid transition from diagnosis to treatment through our Gynaecology Rapid Access Clinic

Leading consultant gynaecologists to guide you through each step of the process, as well as a clinical nurse specialist supporting you throughout your cancer journey

Access to the latest innovative treatments, which aim to reduce side effects and maximise quality of life

Every patient case is reviewed by an expert multidisciplinary team who jointly determine a  personalised treatment plan for each patient 

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Book an appointment today

Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.

Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via internet, email or telephone.