What is Uterine sarcoma?

Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus (womb). It usually occurs after menopause. 

Uterine sarcoma is different from endometrial cancer, a disease in which cancer cells start growing inside the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Uterine sarcoma is less common than endometrial cancer.  Read More

If you have been told you have ‘cancer of the uterus’, ‘cancer of the womb’ or ‘uterine cancer’, and you are not sure if it is endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, check with your doctor.

About the uterus

The uterus, or womb, is the main female reproductive organ. It is about the size and shape of a hollow, upside-down pear, and sits low in the abdomen between the bladder and rectum. It is joined to the vagina by the cervix, which is the neck of the uterus.

The bulk of the uterus is smooth muscle tissue, which is called the myometrium. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium.  

When women ovulate (produce eggs in their ovaries), an egg travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm, it will implant itself into the endometrium and grow into a baby.


Menopause occurs when a woman no longer releases the hormones that cause ovulation and menstruation. A menopausal woman’s monthly periods stop, and she can no longer become pregnant. The uterus becomes smaller and the endometrium becomes thinner and inactive.

Benign conditions of the uterus (not cancer)


Fibroids are common benign tumours that grow in the muscle of the uterus. They occur mainly in women in their 40s, and only rarely become cancer.

Usually, fibroids cause no symptoms and need no treatment. But depending on their size and location, they can cause bleeding, vaginal discharge and frequent urination. Women with these symptoms should see their doctor.

If fibroids cause heavy bleeding, or if they press against nearby organs and cause pain, the doctor can refer you to a gynaecologist, who may suggest surgery or other treatment.

As you reach menopause, fibroids are likely to become smaller, and sometimes disappear.


Endometriosis is most common in women in their 30s and 40s, especially in women who have never been pregnant. It occurs when endometrial tissue begins to grow on the outside of the uterus and on nearby organs.

Symptoms may include painful menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and sometimes loss of fertility (ability to get pregnant).


Uterine adenomyosis is a benign condition that causes heavy, painful periods in women. This happens because cells that normally line the inside of the uterus start to grow in the walls of the uterus. It may often occur along with endometriosis.

Endometrial hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus. It is most common in women older than 40.

Endometrial hyperplasia is not cancer, but it can sometimes develop into cancer.

Symptoms may include heavy menstrual periods, bleeding between periods and bleeding after menopause.


  • Uterine cancer statistics

    Uterine cancer statistics

    There is a 1 in 65 risk of uterine cancer, to age of 75, and a 1 in 47 risk to age 85.

  • Know the risk factors

    Know the risk factors

    Some risk factors are modifiable, such as lifestyle or environmental risk factors, and others cannot be modified, such as inherited factors or whether someone in the family has had cancer.

  • Uterine cancer symptoms

    Uterine cancer symptoms

    Some of the symptoms of uterine sarcoma include bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause and a mass or lump in the vagina.

  • Uterine cancer screening

    Uterine cancer screening

    There is no screening test for uterine sarcoma.

  • How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

    How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

    There are a range of tests to confirm a diagnosis of uterine sarcoma.

  • Treatment options

    Treatment options

    Treatment and care of people with cancer is usually provided by a team of health professionals, both medical and allied health, called a multidisciplinary team.

  • Finding support

    Finding support

    You might feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious or upset if you have been diagnosed with cancer – these are all normal feelings.

  • Research & clinical trials

    Research & clinical trials


  • Health professionals

    Health professionals

    Information and Clinical Guidelines for Health professionals.

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