Treatment of uterine cancer

Treatment for uterine cancer is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for uterine cancer are generally based on:

• stage
• grade
• tumour type
• age
• a woman's overall health

Treatment options for uterine cancer

• surgery
  • Hysterectomy is done to remove the cervix and uterus, with or without removing nearby lymph nodes.
    • A radical hysterectomy also removes some tissues around the cervix and upper vagina.
  • A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is done to remove both ovaries and Fallopian tubes. It is usually done at the same time as the hysterectomy.
  • Pelvic exenteration is sometimes done when cancer has come back (recurred) after treatment, but has not spread outside the pelvis (is localized). The reproductive organs (cervix, uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes) are removed along with the lymph nodes in the pelvis. The rectum or bladder or both may be removed.
  • For advanced uterine cancer, surgery is done to remove as much of the tumour as possible (debulk).
• radiation therapy
  • external beam radiation therapy
  • brachytherapy
  • a combination of both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy
• hormonal therapy
  • after surgery, for some types of uterine cancer
  • for advanced or recurrent uterine cancer
  • to relieve symptoms of advanced disease
• chemotherapy
  • after surgery, for some types of uterine cancer
  • for advanced or recurrent uterine cancer
  • to relieve symptoms of advanced disease
• It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 2–3 years after treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are some clinical trials in Canada that are open to women with uterine cancer. For more information, go to clinical trials.

See a list of questions to ask your doctor about treatment.