Is It Endometriosis or Endometrial Cancer?

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Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., FACOG

Endometriosis and endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) can be hard to tell apart.

Both involve the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. And both can cause heavy bleeding. But, they aren’t related to each other.

You may wonder:

Is endometriosis a type of cancer? The answer is no. Endometriosis is when cells grow in places and ways that they shouldn’t. But it is not cancer.

Can endometriosis cause endometrial cancer? No. Endometriosis does not cause endometrial cancer.

How can you tell if you have endometriosis or endometrial cancer?

Check out this chart to learn more about each condition.

What is it?

 

Endometriosis

 

When endometrial cells grow outside the uterus in parts of the body such as the bladder, bowels and intestines.

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

 

Cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus.

Who is most at risk?

 

Endometriosis

 

Women may be at higher risk for endometriosis if they:

Have a family history of endometriosisStarted their before 11Have menstrual cycles(less than 27 days)Have heavy periods that last longer than 7 daysAre infertile, have never given birth or had kids at an older age

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

 

Women may be at higher risk for endometrial cancer if they:

Have never gotten pregnantHave obesityHave PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or other conditions that raise estrogen levelsTake hormone therapyHave a family history of certain cancersAre Black

What are the symptoms?

 

Endometriosis

Severe crampsPelvic painPain during sex and/or while peeingHeavy periods

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

Heavy bleedingBleeding between periodsBleeding after menopause

When is it diagnosed?

 

Endometriosis

 

Typically diagnosed in 30s and 40s, though younger women with unexplained pelvic pain may also be diagnosed

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

 

Typically diagnosed after menopause, but more women are being diagnosed younger

How is it diagnosed?

 

Endometriosis

Surgery to confirm the presence of endometrial growths Positive response to medicine used to treat endometriosis

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

Pelvic examTransvaginal ultrasoundHysteroscopyBiopsy (taking a sample of tissue from the uterus)

What are the treatments?

 

Endometriosis

Pain medicationHormonal therapy Surgery

Endometrial/Uterine Cancer

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)ChemotherapyRadiation

This resource was created with support from Merck.