Uterine Cancer: Treatment Options

How is it treated?

Women with Uterine Cancer have many treatment options. These treatments may be combined for greater effectiveness depending on the age of the patient, the stage and spread of the cancer, and the type of Uterine Cancer.

Surgery for Uterine Cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for Uterine Cancer. One option is a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus. In addition, the surgeon may remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The surrounding lymph nodes in the pelvis and around the aorta (called a lymphadenectomy) may be removed if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes:

Other treatments for Uterine Cancer

Radiation Therapy

• External Radiation Therapy, also called Radiotherapy, uses high-energy radiation, directed by a large machine toward the specific location of the cancer, to destroy cancer cells. A patient may go to a clinic or hospital 5 days a week for several weeks to receive External Radiation Therapy.
  
  
• Internal Radiation Therapy is a procedure in which radioactive material is placed directly into or near the tumor. An applicator is placed in the vagina and pellets containing a radioactive substance are inserted into the applicator. This treatment is called bracytherapy and may need to be repeated several times.
  

Hormonal Therapy is called a systemic therapy because it can affect cancer cells throughout the body. Usually, hormonal therapy is a type of progesterone, a hormone produced by the reproductive system, taken as a pill. The doctor may use hormonal therapy for women with Uterine Cancer who are unable to have Surgery or Radiation Therapy. Also, the doctor may give hormonal therapy to women with Uterine Cancer that has spread to the lungs or other distant sites. It is also given to women with Uterine Cancer that has recurred.
*** Click here to find the Rhode Island Department of Health's latest findings on Hormone Replacement Therapy***

Chemotherapy is a systemic, or whole body, treatment, the goal of which is to kill any remaining Cancer cells in the body and to keep the Cancer from spreading to other organs. The drugs are typically given in cycles of a few days of treatment and then 3-4 weeks to rest, for a period of weeks or months determined by the oncologist. Chemotherapy is used to treat Uterine Sarcoma. There are two ways chemotheraphy can be administered, depending on patient health and the drugs being used:

• Pill form: Chemotherapy pills are available for some drugs and allow the patient to remain at home for the entire treatment.
  
• Intravenous: The most common method of chemotherapy, intravenous infusions are usually given on an outpatient basis at the hospital or treatment center. Patients who are in very poor health or have severe side effects may need to remain in the hospital for a few days.
  

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The side effects of treatment for Uterine Cancer are mostly permanent. However, these conditions can be managed with medication.

Possible Side Effects From Surgery

Women who have had a hysterectomy no longer have menstrual periods and can no longer get pregnant. When the ovaries are removed, Menopause occurs at once. Menopause caused by surgery may be more severe than natural Menopause. A physician may prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy to relieve symptoms related to Menopause. Most women return to their normal activities within 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. The side effects of surgery for Uterine Cancer may include:

• Pain
  
• Fatigue
  
• Nausea/Vomiting
  
• Bladder and Bowel Problems
  
• Inability to have Children
  
• Loss of Menstrual Cycle
  
• Menopause- Hot Flashes
  

Possible Side Effects from Other Treatments

Radiation Therapy: As with chemotherapy, External and Internal Radiation Therapy side effects are different for everyone. The side effects are usually specific to the areas exposed to the rays. Also, doctors may advise their patients not to have intercourse during radiation therapy. However, most can resume sexual activity within a few weeks after treatment ends. Some commonly reported side effects for Uterine Cancer patients are:

• Fatigue
  
• Skin irritation in the area treated
  
• Permanent bronzing of the skin of the treated area
  
• Nausea/vomiting
  
• Dryness, itching, burning and tightening in the vagina
  
• Diarrhea or frequent and uncomfortable urination
  

The side effects of radiation therapies are usually temporary, and symptoms should disappear once treatment stops.

Hormonal Therapy: This treatment has few side effects, however, the patient and doctor should monitor these side effects and how they change the patient's quality of life.

• Retaining fluid
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Increased weight
  
• Changes in menstrual cycle for those women still getting their period
  

Chemotherapy: Symptoms vary with the drugs being used and among individuals; however, the following are some common side effects:

• Nausea/vomiting
  
• Hair loss
  
• Fatigue
  
• Increased risk of infection
  
• Fever
  
• Easy bruising/ bleeding
  
• Tingling in the fingers and toes
  
• Ringing in the ears/ difficulty hearing
  

Most of these symptoms are temporary and should cease shortly after treatment is stopped.

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