Cancer of the Uterus
Alternate Names : Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Cancer of the Endometrium
What are the treatments for the disease?
Cancer of the uterus is treated by removing the uterus in a
procedure called an abdominal hysterectomy. Doing this surgery through
the abdomen rather than the vagina is recommended. It allows the surgeon to see
the entire pelvis and abdomen and to note any spread of the cancer. He or she
can also take samples of cells from the abdominal cavity to check for any tiny
floating cancer cells. The surgeon will also remove lymph nodes from the pelvic
area to be sure that the cancer has not spread.
Sometimes a surgeon will remove the uterus through the
vagina and then remove the lymph nodes through a small cut in the abdomen. This
avoids leaving a large scar on the abdomen and shortens the hospital stay. Not all
women are candidates for this procedure.
Because tumor cells may have spread to the ovaries and
fallopian tubes, these organs are usually removed also. For women with advanced disease, the preferred treatment
is surgery. If the surgeon finds that the cancer has not spread, there may be
no further treatment. Women who are at a higher risk of the cancer coming back
may have radiation treatments to the pelvis. Or they may have
chemotherapy. Because
this cancer comes from a tissue that is sensitive to hormones, treatment with
hormones may also be effective.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
After having a hysterectomy, a woman may experience the following:
inability to control urine
sexual problems
stress
swelling in the legs
ascites, which is an
accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
swelling in the veins of the lower legs that may lead to blood clots
surgical problems, such as a hole connecting the vagina and the
rectum
bleeding that requires a blood transfusion
Radiation therapy will usually produce some hair loss.
Chemotherapy is often associated with nausea, vomiting, and anemia, or a low red blood cell
count.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
A woman who has been treated for cancer of the uterus should try to take these steps:
Eat a balanced diet following the food guide pyramid.
Get plenty of rest.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Decrease stress.
Rely on family members and friends for help with daily activities when
feeling too tired to do them alone.If a woman tries
herbal remedies or
alternative medicines for her symptoms, she should tell her healthcare
provider. Sometimes toxic reactions can occur when certain therapies are
combined.
How is the disease monitored?
At least every 3 to 4 months after treatment, a woman should have a follow-up,
including:
a
pelvic
exam
a physical exam
blood tests
Depending on the stage of the cancer, other tests made be used, such as the following:
pelvic ultrasound
CT
scan
magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI
A woman should report any new or worsening symptoms that might
suggest that the cancer is coming back. She can then be treated quickly, if
necessary.
Following are some of the signs of recurrent endometrial cancer:
vaginal bleeding
abdominal bloating
changes in bowel or bladder habits
swelling of the lower
legs
persistent cough
loss of appetite
weight loss
fatigue
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