Symptoms of uterine cancer

Last medical review:

The signs and symptoms of uterine cancer can change as the tumour grows. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as uterine cancer.

The most common sign of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina. This includes a change in menstruation such as heavier periods, periods that last longer or that occur more often than normal, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or spotting (light bleeding).

Other signs and symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

  • unusual fluid from the vagina, which can be foul-smelling, pus-like or blood-stained
  • pain during vaginal sex
  • pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis, lower abdomen, back or legs
  • pain during urination, trouble urinating or blood in the urine
  • pain during bowel movements, difficult bowel movements or blood in the stool
  • buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites) or in the legs (called lymphedema)
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • breathing problems

Expert review and references

  • Guideline Resource Unit (GURU). Uterine Sarcoma. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Health Services; 2023: Clinical Practice Guideline GYNE-007 Version: 3. ​https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/cancerguidelines.aspx​.
  • Alektiar KM, Abu-Rustum NR, Makker V, et al. Cancer of the uterine body. Devita VT, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, eds. DeVita Hellman and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2023: Kindle version, chapter 50, https://read.amazon.ca/?asin=B0BG3DPT4Q&language=en-CA.
  • Bregar A. Endometrial cancer: Clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and workup. Chi D, Berchuck A, Dizon DS, Yashar CM. Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2025: 5.3:130–133.
  • Hacker NF, Friedlander ML. Uterine cancer. Berek J, Hacker NF. Berek and Hacker's Gynecologic Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021: 10:371–420.
  • Hamilton CA, Pothuri B, Arend RC, et al. Endometrial cancer: A society of gynecologic oncology evidence-based review and recommendations. Gynecologic Oncology. 2021: 160:817–826.
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Uterine Neoplasms (Version 3.2024). 2024.
  • Ramirez PT, Salvo G. Endometrial cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version. Kenilworth, NJ: Merck & Co, Inc; 2023. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional.
  • Sia TY, Leitao Jr MM. Mesenchymal tumors: Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation and workup. Chi D, Berchuck A, Dizon DS, Yashar CM. Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2025: 6.3:193–196.

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