Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

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Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis

Endometrial cancer is most successfully treated when detected at early stages. At Mercy, our oncologists will perform various diagnostic tests and exams to determine the type and stage of uterine cancer.

Diagnostic Testing

In addition to a physical exam, screening tests may include the following.

  • Pelvic Exam –  performed to detect lumps which may be cysts or tumors
  • CA-125 Blood Test - although this type of blood test is not typically used for uterine cancer screening, it can be used to monitor response to therapy
  • Gynecologic Ultrasound Imaging - a transvaginal ultrasound is used to decide where a biopsy is needed
  • CT & MRI Scans
  • Biopsy – there are two types of biopsies used to detect uterine cancer - endometrial biopsy and sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Dilation & Curettage (D&C) - a D&C is a procedure to remove tissue samples from the uterus. A D&C is often performed with hysteroscopy.

Robotic Surgery for Gynecologic Oncology

Dr. Marcia Hernandez

Endometrial Cancer Treatment at Mercy

Treatment options for endometrial cancer may include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy. Your treatment may include one or more of those options, depending on what you need. Gynecologic oncologists at Mercy will help develop a personalized treatment plan specific to your cancer type and stage.

Uterine Cancer Surgery Options 

Surgery is usually the first treatment for endometrial cancer. It's performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible, also called debulking, as well as to determine how far cancer may have spread. Depending on how far the cancer has spread in the uterus, different surgical treatments may be used.

Simple or Total Abdominal Hysterectomy 

During a simple abdominal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen. This type of hysterectomy is often performed using minimally-invasive robotic-assisted techniques.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

In a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina. This type of hysterectomy may be an option for women who are not healthy enough to undergo other types of surgery.

Radical Hysterectomy

When endometrial cancer has spread to the cervix or the area around the cervix, a radical hysterectomy is performed. During this surgery, the entire uterus, the tissues next to the uterus (parametrium & uterosacral ligaments) and the upper part of the vagina (next to the cervix) are removed. This is most often done through the abdomen but can be done through the vagina as well.

Oophorectomy

An oophorectomy is the removal of the fallopian tubes and both ovaries, using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. This procedure can also be done as part of a hysterectomy.

Lymphadenectomy

Lymphadenectomy is the removal of lymph nodes from the pelvic region and lower abdomen to see if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is mostly used in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. A few different kinds of hormones are used, but each is intended to slow the growth of cancer. This type of therapy may be used as part of treatment or post-treatment and is often used alongside chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

There are a few different kinds of radiation therapy that may be used in endometrial cancer treatment. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, your Mercy provider may recommend a different kind of radiation therapy.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

External beam radiation may be provided in combination with chemotherapy to treat uterine cancer. This type of radiation therapy focuses a beam of X-ray energy on a specific area of the body to eliminate cancer cells.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Some patients may receive internal radiation or brachytherapy, a type of radiation therapy where small sources of radiation in the form of capsules, pellets or ribbons are placed inside your body within or near the tumor.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is similar to external beam radiation therapy but targets your tumor more directly. This type of therapy uses smaller particles of energy to create a beam that is generally the same size and shape as your tumor.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be part of a treatment plan to attack cancer that has spread from the uterus, since chemotherapy targets all quickly-dividing cells throughout the body.  A combination of chemotherapy medications may be part of a treatment plan for endometrial cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is designed to stimulate the immune system to boost its natural ability to fight cancer and to make cancer cells easier for the immune system to recognize. Immunotherapy can be used to treat certain types of endometrial cancer that have spread or returned. Oral, topical or intravenous medication may be given as part of immunotherapy treatment.

Uterine Cancer Prognosis

Having endometrial cancer doesn’t always mean you can’t have children. If you’re already pregnant or you want to have children, discuss fertility-sparing options with your doctor. Your Mercy oncologist can focus on gentler treatments that help keep you and your child healthy.