When you hear terms like “endometriosis” and “endometrial cancer,” it’s easy to feel confused. One member of MyEndometrialCancerTeam asked, “Is endometriosis and endometrial cancer the same thing?” If you’ve had the same question, you’re not alone.

Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are two distinct conditions that affect the female reproductive system. However, there are important differences in their nature, progression, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Understanding these differences can help you better understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

In this article, we will explore six important differences between endometriosis and endometrial cancer.

1. Endometriosis Is Not Cancerous

The most important difference is that endometriosis is not cancer. Endometriosis is a long-term, benign (noncancerous) condition. It happens when the endometrium (the tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus. This tissue acts as it normally would in the uterus, shedding and bleeding during menstrual cycles. Endometriosis can develop in organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas within the pelvis, causing pain.

On the other hand, endometrial cancer — the most common type of uterine cancer — is a malignant (cancerous) condition. It begins when cells in the endometrium start growing uncontrollably. Unlike endometriosis, endometrial cancer involves cells that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This spread, known as metastasis, allows cancer to affect areas beyond its original location.

2. The Conditions Affect Different Age Groups

Endometriosis and endometrial cancer typically affect different age groups and occur at different rates in the population. Endometriosis usually develops during reproductive years and is often diagnosed in people in their 20s or 30s. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects about 10 percent of women of reproductive age and girls worldwide, making it relatively common.

Endometrial cancer, on the other hand, typically develops after menopause, with the average age of diagnosis being 60. Although it’s much less common than endometriosis, endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. For women, he lifetime risk of developing endometrial cancer is about 3 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

3. Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer Have Some Distinct Symptoms

While there’s some overlap in symptoms between endometriosis and endometrial cancer, each condition has distinct characteristics.

Symptoms of endometriosis typically include:

• Severe menstrual cramps that may worsen over time
• Ongoing belly or pelvic pain and/or pressure
• Discomfort during sex
• Difficulty conceiving, or infertility
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Heavy menstrual periods or or spotting (light bleeding) between cycles
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or bloating

Some symptoms of endometrial cancer overlap with those of endometriosis, but some are unique. Symptoms of the conditon:

• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Unexplained weight loss
• A lump or mass in the pelvic area
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain during sex

4. The Risk Factors for Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer Differ

Each condition has its own risk factors that differ significantly. For example, risk factors for endometriosis include:

• Family history of endometriosis
• Getting your first period at a young age
• Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
• Heavy menstrual periods lasting more than eight days
• Never having given birth
• Lower body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of a person’s weight in relation to their height

Endometrial cancer risk factors include:

• Obesity, clinically defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher
• Lack of exercise and poor diet
• Older age
• Diabetes, specifically type 2
• A personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Use of estrogen-only hormone therapy (without progesterone)
• Conditions associated with excess estrogen exposure, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Notably, some birth control methods may influence your risk of developing endometrial cancer — either increasing or decreasing it. For example, combined birth control pills and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can lower your risk, while using estrogen-only hormone therapy or certain older, nonhormonal IUDs may increase it. Talk with your doctor to understand how your birth control choices may affect your overall risk.

5. Doctors Diagnose These Conditions Differently

The diagnostic processes for endometriosis and endometrial cancer are very different. To diagnose endometriosis, doctors usually start with a pelvic exam. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasounds, can detect endometrial tissue growth. However, the only definitive way to a diagnose of endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery, which allows for a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample) to confirm the condition.

In contrast, endometrial cancer is typically diagnosed through:

• Pelvic and physical exam
• Tissue sampling through an endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy (looking inside the uterus with a camera)
• Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound, to evaluate the uterus and endometrial lining

• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or MRIs, to check for cancer spread beyond the uterus

6. Treatments for Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer Are Not the Same

Treatment strategies for these two conditions are very different, as they target different types of conditions. There is no specific drug to stop endometriosis, but hormonal and nonhormonal treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve fertility. Since endometriosis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition, treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than providing a cure. Some common treatment options include:

• Pain medications, like over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hormone therapy, such as birth control or other hormonal treatments
• Conservative surgery to remove endometrial tissue

In contrast, endometrial cancer treatments aim to eliminate the cancer and prevent recurrence (the cancer returning). Researchers and scientists are continuously studying ways to improve treatment options, especially for advanced or recurrent cases. Some common treatments for endometrial cancer include:

• Surgery, often a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Palliative care to manage pain and symptoms in more advanced stages

While endometriosis treatment may be ongoing to manage symptoms, endometrial cancer treatment typically follows a desired course aimed at minimizing recurrence or stopping the progression of the disease.

If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between endometriosis and endometrial cancer, or if you have questions about your treatment options, talk to your health care provider. They can help you understand the distinctions between these conditions and determine the best course of action for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, is the social network for people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones. On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, people come together to gain a new understanding of endometrial cancer and share their stories with others who understand life with the condition.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with endometriosis or endometrial cancer? What symptoms or treatments have you experienced? Share your experiences in the comments below or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.