Is Fever a Symptom of Endometrial Cancer?

Fever is not a typical early symptom of endometrial (uterine) cancer; the most common presenting sign is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially postmenopausal bleeding. ^[1] In later or advanced stages, some people may experience systemic symptoms such as pelvic pain or unexplained weight loss, but fever itself is generally more often related to infection or treatment‑related complications rather than the cancer directly. ^{[2] [3]}

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What Are the Common Symptoms?

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after menopause) is the hallmark symptom and the main reason endometrial cancer is detected. ^[1]
• Pelvic pain or cramping and pain during intercourse can occur, often later in the disease course. ^[3]
• Unexplained weight loss and persistent pelvic pain are more typical of advanced disease rather than early presentations. ^[2]

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Where Does Fever Fit In?

• Fever is not a classic, early symptom of endometrial cancer. Most reliable references list bleeding and pelvic symptoms, not fever, as the usual presentation. ^{[1] [3]}
• Fever can occur due to infection in people with cancer, especially during or after treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which may lower white blood cells (neutropenia) and raise infection risk. In these settings, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is an urgent warning sign that requires immediate medical evaluation. ^{[4] [5]}
• Fever may rarely be “paraneoplastic” (tumor‑related) in solid tumors, but this is uncommon and a diagnosis of exclusion after infections and other causes are ruled out. ^[6]

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Why Fever Matters During Treatment

Cancer therapies for recurrent or metastatic endometrial cancer (such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, sometimes with immunotherapy) can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of serious infections. Any fever ≥38°C during treatment should be assessed immediately because it may indicate neutropenic fever or another dangerous infection. ^{[4] [5]} Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and is standard best practice in oncology care. ^[7]

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Summary Table: Fever and Endometrial Cancer

Topic	Typical in Early Endometrial Cancer	Possible in Advanced Disease	Commonly Related to Treatment/Infection
Fever	No	Rare/Non‑specific	Yes urgent evaluation if ≥38°C
Abnormal vaginal bleeding	Yes	Yes	Not directly
Pelvic pain/cramping	Sometimes	Yes	Not directly
Weight loss	No	Sometimes	Not directly

Abnormal vaginal bleeding remains the most consistent early sign, while fever is more often a red flag for infection during therapy rather than a direct symptom of the cancer itself. ^{[1] [3] [4] [5]}

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What To Do If You Have a Fever

• If you are on cancer treatment: Seek urgent medical advice for any temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, chills, sweats, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or feeling acutely unwell. ^{[4] [5]}
• If you are not on treatment: Fever is more likely due to common infections; however, if fever persists or you also have abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, you should be evaluated to rule out gynecologic and other causes. ^{[1] [3]}

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Key Takeaway

Fever is not a typical symptom of endometrial cancer itself; abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common warning sign. ^[1] When fever occurs in someone with endometrial cancer, think infection especially during treatment and seek prompt medical care if the temperature is 38°C or higher. ^{[4] [5]}