Just hearing the words “uterine cancer” makes a woman’s heart sink. There are amazing doctors willing to help, and the sooner you act, the better. By becoming more proactive in your treatment, you can seek the care that you deserve. Don’t wait.

Getting Help

If you are diagnosed with uterine cancer, it is important to contact a gynecologic oncologist as soon as possible. Uterine cancer is often treatable, and this special type of doctor might be able to help.

A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in cancers associated with women’s reproductive organs. Because they understand the most effective forms of treatment, they have the highest cure rates for these particular cancer types.

To locate a gynecologic oncologist near you, you can refer to the Gynecologic Oncologist database at the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation site.

Important Questions To Ask

By asking your gynecologic oncologist comprehensive questions, you can become more proactive in your treatment. A diagnosis of uterine cancer will feel terrible, but once you receive more information, you can feel more empowered and hopeful. The more you know the better you will feel. Ask the following questions:

-Is there a suggested diet I should follow?

-What is the best way to treat this cancer?

-What are the possible side effects of my treatments?

-Will this hurt my chances of having children?

-How often will I need a follow up visits?

-What are my options, and what are your recommendations?

-What stage^? is my cancer in?

-Am I at risk for a recurrence?

-What can I do to decrease my risk of recurrence?

-Can I take hormone replacement therapy^??

Types Of Treatment

Depending on your diagnosis and particular situation, your gynecologic oncologist will help you make informed decisions as to what treatment options would best serve you. The most common treatments include:

-Surgery - A hysterectomy is the most common surgery to treat uterine cancer. The uterus, cervix, and both ovaries and fallopian tubes are commonly removed. However, the most important part of the surgery is to remove lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread. This can also help determine if further treatment is necessary. If the cancer has spread to the cervix, a radical hysterectomy may have to be performed.

Dr. Naumann  (Minimally Invasive Surgery) Dr. Manahan (Lymph Node Removal) Dr. Holtz (Treatment Advances)

-Radiation Treatment - By using high-energy X-rays or other radiation to shrink the tumors or kill cancer cells, radiation treatment is usually used after surgery to combat cancer that has spread beyond the uterus and cervix.

-Vaginal Brachytherapy - This radiation treatment for uterine cancer utilizes a cylinder containing radiation. It is inserted into the upper portion of the vagina to directly treat the previous location of the uterus.

-Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is helpful when cancer has spread beyond the uterus or when the type of cancer cells have a higher risk of recurrence. This drug treatment is put right into a blood vein by IV.

-Hormone Treatment - Hormone treatment can be used to target and disable particular cancer cell growth. It can potentially help premenopausal^? women who want to avoid hysterectomy. If the uterine cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it may be treated with hormone therapy - usually with the hormone progesterone^?.

Side Effects Of Treatment

It is important to understand the side effects of your treatment. Some side effects are somewhat minor and others could be more severe. Your treatment options are vital in the battle against uterine cancer. The side effects are an unwelcome part of the process. Perhaps it is easier if you know what to expect.

Side Effects Of Surgery

Please be sure to discuss any questions regarding side effects with your gynecologic oncologist, as surgery for the prevention or treatment of uterine cancer will cause the following changes within the body:

-Nausea and vomiting

-Appetite loss

-Mouth and vaginal soreness

-Kidney damage

-Nerve damage

-Mouth sores

-Increased chance of infection

-Bruises easily

-Difficult to stop bleeding

-Fatigue/tiredness

Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is administered by machines outside the body, or internally (sometimes with a vaginal tube). There are general side effects that come with radiation therapy, which include:

-Treated skin will appear red or irritated

-Fatigue or tiredness

-Nausea

-Diarrhea

-Pain with intercourse

-Scarring of bowel, bladder and vagina

-Small risk of fistulas (abnormal connections of organs not normally connected)

Pelvic Radiation can cause more specific symptoms that include:

-Vaginal scarring, which can cause pain during intercourse

-Lymphedema, a blockage of fluid draining from the leg, which causes swelling (sometimes permanent)

-Weakening in the pelvis and hip bones

-Ovary damage, which can cause premature menopause

Side Effects Of Chemotherapy

Side effects from chemotherapy vary from person to person, but are normally temporary. Once therapy is over, the side effects usually disappear or significantly lessen. Hair loss usually grows back, although it might become a different color and texture. Below are some common side effects of chemotherapy:

-Nausea and vomiting

-Appetite loss

-Kidney damage

-Nerve damage (numbness in hands and feet)

-Mouth sores

-Increased chance of infection

-Bruises easily

-Difficult to stop bleeding

-Fatigue/tiredness

-Hair loss

-Anemia

Side Effects Of Hormone Treatment

The side effects of hormone treatment are quite similar to what one might experience while going through premenstrual syndrome. Below are some common side effects of hormone therapy:

-Constipation

-Depression

-Water weight gain

Last Updated on Thursday, 01 September 2011 13:06