Cancer Health Center

Endometrial cancer detected in its early stages can be cured with surgery and close follow-up. Treatment choices depend on where the cancer is and how much it has grown. Treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery to remove the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and sometimes the pelvic lymph nodes
• Lymphadenectomy surgery to remove lymph nodes
• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
• Progestin hormone therapy to block cancer growth
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells

Initial treatment

After a diagnosis of endometrial cancer is confirmed, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). All tissues removed in surgery will be examined to find out the stage and grade of the cancer. Lymph nodes near the uterus may be examined to find out if cancer has spread outside of the uterus.⁶

Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the size of the cancer, the extent of the cancer's growth, and how the cancer cells look under the microscope.

If you have recently been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you may experience a wide variety of emotions in reaction to your diagnosis. There is no "normal" or "right" way to react to a diagnosis of cancer. But if your emotions are interfering with your ability to make decisions about your health and to move forward with your life, it is important to talk with your doctor. Your cancer treatment center may offer counseling services.

You may also contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society to help you find a support group. Talking with other women who have had similar feelings after a diagnosis such as yours can help you accept and deal with your disease.

What to think about during initial treatment

Most treatments for endometrial cancer cause side effects. Side effects may differ, depending on the type of treatment used and your age and overall health. Your doctor can talk to you about your treatment choices and the side effects associated with each treatment.

• Your surgeon and oncologist will explain the possible side effects of your surgery. A hysterectomy means you will no longer be able to become pregnant.
• Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, skin irritation, or changes in your bowel or urinary habits.
• Side effects of chemotherapy may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, anemia, or infections.

Your quality of life becomes a critical issue when you are considering your treatment options. Be sure to discuss your personal preferences with your oncologist when he or she recommends treatment.

Use home treatment measures to help manage the side effects of treatment. For more information, see the Home Treatment section of this topic. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting.

Cancer: Controlling Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy