Uterine Cancer: Types of Trea... Health Article

Treatment for uterine cancer is either local or systemic. Local treatments remove, destroy, or control the cancer cells in one area. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells throughout the entire body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are systemic treatments. A patient may have just one treatment or a combination of different treatments.

Goals of Treatment

Different types of treatments have different goals. Below is a list of various uterine cancer treatments with their respective goals.

• Surgery. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor from the uterus, while leaving as much of the reproductive system as possible intact. Most times the entire uterus must be removed, along with the Fallopian tubes and ovaries. This procedure is called a total abdominal hysterectomy or a salpingo-oophorectomy.

• Radiation therapy. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill cancer cells using x-rays. This treatment can be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, treat a tumor without the need for surgery, or to get rid of any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy can also be used if the cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the brain or bones, to reduce pain or other symptoms.

• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer can no longer be treated with local treatments alone. Chemotherapy can also be given after surgery for patients who have a high risk for systemic spread. The goal of chemotherapy in this setting is to kill any cells that may have spread before the tumor was surgically removed. This form of chemotherapy is called adjuvant therapy.

• Hormonal therapy. The goal of hormonal therapy is to stop hormone-fueled cancer from spreading. Hormonal therapy is usually given in the form of a tablet that is taken once a day for a period of time determined by a doctor. It may also be given as an injection.

Doctors are alwaysátrying to findánew ways to treat uterine cancer. These new methods are tested in clinical trials. Before beginning treatment, a woman should ask her doctor if there are any clinical trials she should consider.

At first, the information a patient receives about treatment options may seem overwhelming. It is important that patients take the time to gather as much information as possible about their disease and its treatment, and to discuss the issues with their doctors, nurses and loved ones. The doctor is the best person to answer questions about treatment. Many people find it helpful to make a list of questions before seeing their doctor.