If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma, you may be trying to learn as much as possible about the disease and its treatments. Read on to find out more.
The information on this website should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
What is endometrial carcinoma?
Endometrial carcinoma is the most common cancer of the womb (uterus). In addition, cancer of the womb is the most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand.
Endometrial carcinoma is also known as endometrial cancer. This cancer begins in the tissues that line the inside of a woman’s womb.
There are two main types of endometrial carcinoma.
Type 1 cancers
Linked to a woman having excess oestrogen
Most common
Grow slowly
Less prone to spreading than type 2
Known as endometrioid cancers
Most are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glands
Type 2 cancers
Not linked to oestrogen
Much less common than type 1 cancers
Grow faster than type 1
More likely to spread than type 1
Treatment with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)
Your doctor will plan your treatment according to your individual circumstances. These include the type and stage of your cancer, treatment history and general health.
Expand for more information on terms and definitions related to endometrial carcinoma.
Terms you may find useful:
Carcinoma The most common type of cancer. It is formed by epithelial cells. These cells cover the inside and outside of our body – for example, the lining of the uterus.
Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer with drug therapies – for example, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Oestrogen
A sex hormone that supports human reproduction.
Prognosis The expected outcome of your cancer. Your doctor is the best person to ask about your prognosis, but it is not possible for anyone to predict the exact course of cancer.
Tumour A new or abnormal growth of tissue on or in the body. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Uterus The part of a woman’s body where a baby grows. It is also called the womb.
Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding Cancer of the Uterus. A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-uterus-cancer-booklet
Accessed on 27/03/2022
Ministry of Health. 2021. New cancer registrations 2019.
Available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-cancer-registrations-2019
Accessed on 24/01/2022
Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding Immunotherapy. A guide for people affected by cancer.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-immunotherapy-fact-sheet
Accessed on 02/06/2022
KEYTRUDA Data Sheet
KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information
National Cancer Institute. 2021. What is Cancer?
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
Accessed on 01/09/2023
NZ-KEY-00875. TAPS DA 2339KN TAPS NP20132. First Issued February 2024.
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