Clear cell endometrial cancer (endometrial CCC) is a rare type of womb cancer that can grow quickly. It typically affects people who have been through menopause.

There are several types of womb cancer, including endometrial cancer. The term “endometrium” describes the lining of the womb. Any cancer that originates in this lining is endometrial cancer.

Endometrial CCC is a rare type of endometrial cancer that originates in the cells of the lining of the womb. Under a microscope, endometrial CCC cells appear to be clear in color.

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of endometrial CCC.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Endometrial CCC is a rare form of endometrial cancer that originates in the cells of the lining of the womb.

A 2023 review of a study from 2009 suggests that endometrial CCC represents fewer than 5% of cases of womb cancer.

Research suggests that endometrial CCC is most common in females over age 60 years old who have been through menopause.

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects the reproductive system in females in the United States.

Endometrial cancer originates in the lining of the womb and comes in several forms.

The most common symptom of endometrial CCC is postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms can include:

There is currently no conclusive evidence to confirm the cause of endometrial CCC. However, a 2022 review of older studies suggests that several risk factors may lead to endometrial CCC, including:

  • Age: Endometrial CCC is typically more common in females over the age of 60 years old.
  • Menopause: Endometrial CCC is more common in people who have been through menopause.
  • Obesity: Endometrial CCC may be more common in people with obesity.
  • Hyperinsulinemia: This is when a person has too much insulin in their bloodstream.
  • Ethnicity: People who are African American may be more likely to develop endometrial CCC.
  • Genetics: People may inherit certain conditions or gene mutations that can put them at higher risk of developing endometrial CCC.

The current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that if a person experiences vaginal bleeding after menopause, a transvaginal ultrasound scan should be the first method to test for endometrial CCC.

A transvaginal ultrasound scan can measure the thickness of the womb lining. If the womb lining appears thick, a doctor may recommend a biopsy as the next step.

However, a doctor may recommend further testing, as research suggests that endometrial CCC may not present during an ultrasound scan or biopsy. To rule out or confirm the presence of endometrial CCC, a doctor may recommend a vaginal hysterectomy.

A vaginal hysterectomy is a procedure in which a surgeon removes the womb and cervix through an incision in the vagina. A doctor can then test the womb, cervix, and lymph nodes for endometrial CCC cells.

Endometrial CCC is a stage 2 cancer, which means the cancer may be growing relatively quickly and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. There is the potential for endometrial CCC to spread to other parts of the body, so treatment may include:

  • Total hysterectomy: This involves a surgeon removing the cervix and womb, which may eliminate endometrial CCC cells from the body.
  • Extensive staging surgery: A surgeon may remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes for evaluation to determine the severity of endometrial CCC and if the cancer may have spread.
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These may help to shrink endometrial CCC cells if a person cannot have surgery. It may also help prevent endometrial CCC from reoccurring following surgery.

Recent research from multiple studies suggests that 50% of people with endometrial CCC may have a survival rate of 5 years or less.

However, there may be a limit to the accuracy of these studies due to low numbers of participation. Experts need to conduct further research to give a more accurate outlook for a person with endometrial CCC.

A person should talk with a doctor about their individual situation and outlook. Many factors can affect the outlook of a condition.

Here are some commonly asked questions about endometrial CCC.

How common is endometrial CCC?

Endometrial CCC is an uncommon form of endometrial cancer that typically affects between 1–6% of people with cancer of the womb.

How serious is endometrial CCC?

Endometrial CCC is an aggressive form of womb cancer that may have a survival rate of 5 years or less in approximately 50% of people.

How do healthcare professionals treat endometrial CCC?

The first line of treatment for endometrial CCC is typically surgery to remove the cervix, womb, nearby reproductive organs, and lymph nodes. A person may also require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What are the symptoms of endometrial CCC?

The most common symptom of endometrial CCC is vaginal bleeding after a person has been through menopause. Other symptoms may include painful cramps, vaginal discharge, and prolonged periods.

Endometrial CCC is a rare, aggressive form of womb cancer. It is more common in females over the age of 60 years old who have been through menopause.

Endometrial CCC may first present with vaginal bleeding after menopause. A person may also experience vaginal discharge, painful cramps, and prolonged periods.

Treatment for endometrial CCC typically includes surgery to remove the womb, cervix, other reproductive organs, and nearby lymph nodes. A person may also require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There is a limit to the amount of research into endometrial CCC, so it can be difficult to fully understand the causes, risk factors, and outlook for a person with endometrial CCC.