Subtypes and stages of endometrial cancer

Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the stage and subtype of the cancer. Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiation, hormone and/or chemotherapy. People with advanced cancers (stage 3 or 4) may also benefit from immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Clinical trials may be available for any stage of cancer.

Stages of endometrial cancer

The stage of a cancer refers to whether it has spread beyond the uterus, and if it has, the location in the body where it has spread. Measuring the stage of endometrial cancer helps doctors decide how to treat it. 

• Stage 1 is confined to the uterus
• Stage 2 has spred to the cervix
• Stages 3 and 4 the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body

Doctors may order additional tests such as chest XRAYS, chest, pelvic and abdominal CT, MRI or PET scans to learn if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus. 

Subtypes of endometrial cancer

There are several different types of endometrial cancer, based on how the cells look under a microscope. Treatment may vary for each subtype. The most common subtype is endometrioid adenocarcinoma. This type of endometrial cancer usually responds well to treatment. 

Other, less common types of endometrial cancer are considered high-risk because they are more likely to spread. These include:

• carcinosarcomas. These are more common among Black women.
• papillary serous carcinomas. These rare cancers are slightly more likely to occur in women with a BRCA1 mutation.
• clear cell carcinomas.
• undifferentiated or dedifferentiated carcinoma.