Also known as uterine cancer, cancer of the corpus uteri, uterine corpus cancer, endometrial carcinoma
The sixth most common malignancy worldwide
The most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries; second most common in developing countries
More commonly presents in individuals >50 years of age
Usually diagnosed in its early stages and still localized, with high survival rates
Etiology
Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (atypical endometrial hyperplasia) is the precursor lesion to endometrial cancer according to the 1994 World Health Organization (WHO) and International Endometrial Collaborative Group schemas
Papillary serous carcinoma accounts for 10% of cases, but comes with high mortality rates (40%)
Clear cell histologic type is rare (3%) but with poor prognosis
Risk Factors
Age ≥55 years
Excess estrogen (eg estrogen therapy, estrogen-producing tumors, early menarche, late menopause, Tamoxifen use)
