Womb cancer

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

What is 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.

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).

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.

How is womb cancer diagnosed?

At Cromwell Hospital, we offer a physical (internal) examination and the following diagnostic options as part of our gynaecology 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.

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:   

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. 

Why choose us for womb cancer treatment?

Paying for your treatment

We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.

Our locations

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.