Surgery

Surgery (removing the cancer in an operation) is the most common treatment for endometrial cancer. The following surgical procedures may be used:

  • Total hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, including the cervix. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through the vagina, the operation is called a vaginal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a large incision (cut) in the abdomen, the operation is called a total abdominal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen using a laparoscope, the operation is called a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
  • Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: A surgical procedure to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
  • Radical hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given radiation therapy or hormone treatment after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called adjuvant therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. The presence of some hormones can cause certain cancers to grow. If tests show that the cancer cells have places where hormones can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them from working.

Treatment Options by Stage

 

Stage I Endometrial Cancer - Treatment

Treatment of stage I endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen may also be removed for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
  • Surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen) followed by internal radiation therapy or external radiation therapy to the pelvis. After surgery, a plastic cylinder containing a source of radiation may be placed in the vagina to kill any remaining cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy alone for patients who cannot have surgery.
  • Clinical trials of radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

This summary section refers to specific treatments under study in clinical trials, but it may not mention every new treatment being studied. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Check for clinical trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry that are now accepting patients with stage I uterine corpus cancer.

Stage II Endometrial Cancer - Treatment

Treatment of stage IIA endometrial cancer is usually a combination of therapies, including internal and external radiation therapy and surgery.

Stage IIA Treatment

Treatment of stage IIA endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen may also be removed for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
  • Surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen) followed by internal radiation therapy or external radiation therapy to the pelvis. After surgery, a plastic cylinder containing a source of radiation may be placed in the vagina to kill any remaining cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy alone for patients who cannot have surgery.
  • Clinical trials of radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

This summary section refers to specific treatments under study in clinical trials, but it may not mention every new treatment being studied. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Stage IIB Treatment

Treatment of stage IIB endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells) followed by radiation therapy.
  • Internal radiation therapy and external radiation therapy, followed by surgery (hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells).
  • Surgery (radical hysterectomy with or without removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells).

Check for clinical trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry that are now accepting patients with stage II uterine corpus cancer.

Stage III Endometrial Cancer - Treatment

Treatment of stage III endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Surgery (radical hysterectomy and removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells) followed by internal radiation therapy and external radiation therapy.
  • Radiation therapy alone for patients who cannot have surgery.
  • Hormone therapy for patients who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Clinical trials of chemotherapy.
  • Clinical trials of new therapies.

Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Check for clinical trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry that are now accepting patients with stage III uterine corpus cancer.

Stage IV Endometrial Cancer - Treatment

Treatment of stage IV endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Internal radiation therapy and external radiation therapy.
  • Hormone therapy.
  • Clinical trials of chemotherapy.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

Treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer may include the following:

  • Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the patient?s quality of life.
  • Hormone therapy.
  • Clinical trials of chemotherapy.

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