Hyperplasia and uterine cancer

What are hyperplasia and uterine cancer?

Endometrial hyperplasia occurs when the inside lining of the uterus (the endometrium) starts to behave abnormally. Whilst not cancer, endometrial hyperplasia is a potential 'pre-cancer'.

There are different types of endometrial hyperplasia, and the more severe types have a higher chance of turning in to uterine cancer. Some woman are at higher risk than others. Risk factors include aged more than 35 years, obesity, cigarette smoking and polycystic ovarian syndrome

Symptoms

If you have endometrial hyperplasia you may have symptoms including abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding not controlled by hormonal methods, and an overtly thickened endometrial lining.

How we can help

If you think you may have hyperplasia or uterine cancer and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.

Further reading

Further information

Symptoms

Postmenopausal bleeding

Any bleeding in the menopause is abnormal and needs to be investigated. It is most often caused by fragile tissues (vagina, endometrium) due to lack of estrogen production. Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer may be the cause in 5-10% of cases, and if promptly attended to, treatment is highly successful. Find out more

Prolonged periods

If your period lasts more than 7 days, you have prolonged bleeding. The term is often used synonymously with menorrhogia (heavy bleeding), but is more descriptive of periods that go on for an annoyingly long time. Find out more

Procedures

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is when a woman's uterus is removed. This may be because methods to stop heavy bleeding are not successful, side effects of medications are intolerable, fibroids are problematic or endometriosis is severe enough that a more permanent solution is required. Find out more

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a common gynaecological procedure, placing a thin camera through the cervix to evaluate the inside of the uterus (the endometrial cavity). This may be as an investigation or a treatment. Find out more