Fibroids and uterine cancer can both cause growths to form in the uterus. Certain symptoms can also overlap. A doctor can determine whether you have fibroids or uterine cancer.
Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths that can occur in the uterus. They’re incredibly common. In fact, it’s estimated that
Another condition that causes growths to develop in the uterus is uterine cancer. While uterine cancer is much less common, the American Cancer Society estimates that
Fibroids and uterine cancer have some symptoms overlap. This article explores the similarities and differences in symptoms between these two conditions.
Uterine cancer is cancer that develops in the uterus. It’s the
Endometrial cancer starts in the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma starts in the muscles of the uterus or in connective tissue supporting the uterus.
Primary symptoms
One of the main symptoms of uterine cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding. This may include bleeding that:
- happens after menopause
- occurs between periods
- is heavier or more irregular than typical for your period
Other symptoms
Other potential symptoms of uterine cancer are:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- a mass in your abdomen or pelvis that you can feel
- a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis (uterine sarcoma)
- changes in your bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation or urination that is frequent or painful
- unintended weight loss
- reduced appetite
Risk factors for uterine cancer
The risk factors for endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma differ. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
- older age
- a family history of endometrial cancer
- endometrial hyperplasia
- underlying health conditions, like:
- rare genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome
- certain reproductive factors related to estrogen exposure, such as:
- never having children
- starting your period at an early age
- beginning menopause at a later age
- use of specific medications, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause or tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast cancer
The risk factors for uterine sarcoma are having previous radiation therapy to your pelvis or taking tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that form in the muscles of the uterus. They’re the
The location and number of fibroids can vary. Additionally, fibroids can be of different sizes. For example, some may be the size of a pea, while others can grow to be several inches wide.
Many times, fibroids do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:
- periods that are heavier or longer than is typical for you
- bleeding between periods
- painful periods
- abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain
- a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis
- enlarged abdomen
- pain during sex
- changes to your bowel and bladder habits, such as constipation or urination that’s frequent or difficult
Risk factors for fibroids
Most people who develop fibroids are in their
Fibroids are more common in Black women. Fibroids may also grow more quickly and develop at an earlier age in this group. The exact reason is unknown but may be due to social inequalities and disparities in healthcare access.
Other risk factors for fibroids include:
- a family history of fibroids
- obesity
- reproductive factors associated with higher estrogen exposure, like:
- never having children
- starting your period at an early age
- beginning menopause at a later age
- a diet high in red meat and lower in green vegetables
- vitamin D deficiency
The table below compares and contrasts the potential symptoms of uterine cancer and fibroids:
| Symptom | Uterine cancer | Fibroids |
|---|---|---|
| bleeding after menopause | ✓ | |
| bleeding between periods | ✓ | ✓ |
| heavy or irregular periods | ✓ | ✓ |
| painful periods | ✓ | |
| pain during sex | ✓ | ✓ |
| abdominal or pelvic pain | ✓ | ✓ (can also include lower back pain) |
| unusual vaginal discharge | ✓ | |
| a mass you can feel | ✓ | |
| a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis | ✓ (with uterine sarcoma) | ✓ |
| enlarged abdomen | ✓ | ✓ |
| changes in bowel or bladder habits | ✓ | ✓ |
| unintended weight loss | ✓ | |
| reduced appetite | ✓ |
Because uterine cancer and fibroids share some symptoms, many of the tests doctors use to help diagnose them are the same.
To begin the diagnostic process, a doctor first gets a thorough personal and family medical history. They’ll also do a general physical exam and pelvic exam.
Imaging can help your doctor see in and around your uterus. Some imaging tests they may order are:
- ultrasound, including abdominal ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound
- sonohysterogram or saline infusion sonogram, where saline is put into your uterus to get a clearer picture during an ultrasound
- hysteroscopy, which involves inserting a small, thin camera through your cervix and into your uterus to see inside the uterus and sometimes to take a biopsy
If your doctor suspects uterine cancer, they can collect a biopsy sample from the endometrium or the uterine muscle. This sample can be tested in a lab to see whether cancer cells are present.
If cancer cells are found, further tests on the sample can further characterize the cancer. This can inform a doctor on the type of cancer, its grade, and its molecular markers, which all help a doctor determine the best treatment.
Can uterine cancer be misdiagnosed as fibroids?
Yes, it’s possible that uterine cancer, particularly
What happens if uterine fibroids are left untreated?
Not all fibroids need to be treated immediately, especially if they’re not causing symptoms. When left untreated, some fibroids may grow larger and begin to cause symptoms and problems like pain, anemia, and fertility issues.
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
The vast majority of fibroids are benign. However, there’s a
Can you feel fibroids with your finger?
Although some fibroids, particularly larger ones, can cause your abdomen to enlarge, you’re unlikely to be able to feel fibroids externally with just your finger. However, your doctor can potentially feel fibroids during a pelvic exam.
What are the symptoms of a fibroid flare-up?
During a fibroid flare-up, your fibroid symptoms can get worse. As such, you may experience increased pain or heavier bleeding during a flare.
Fibroids and uterine cancer both cause growths to form in the uterus. However, uterine fibroids are almost always benign. They’re also a lot more common than uterine cancer.
Fibroids and uterine cancer can cause similar symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to talk with a doctor if you notice concerning symptoms, like heavier periods, pelvic pain, and urinary or bowel problems.
A doctor can order many tests to determine what is causing your symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, they can recommend a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you.