Can You Get Endometrial Cancer After a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is commonly performed as a treatment for women with endometrial (uterine) cancer. It is also sometimes used as a preventive measure for women who are at a high risk of developing uterine cancer. During the procedure, a surgeon removes the patient’s entire uterus and cervix, as well as other tissues depending on the kind of hysterectomy performed. In some cases, only the upper part of the uterus is removed (subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy), leaving the cervix in place. If all of the uterus is removed, the patient cannot get endometrial cancer following the procedure.
Is recurrent endometrial cancer curable?
Like other forms of cancer, uterine cancer can sometimes come back in the months and years following a patient’s initial course of treatment. The treatment and prognosis of endometrial cancer recurrence depend on several unique factors, including whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) beyond the uterus and what other parts of the body are affected. Many women are not able to go into remission following treatment for recurrent endometrial cancer, though a cure can still be attainable in certain instances where the cancer is caught early and has not spread. Still, treatment for recurrent endometrial cancer can help improve a patient’s quality of life. If you have recurrent endometrial cancer and have questions about your prognosis, consult with your physician for information as it pertains to your individual case.
What are the chances of endometrial cancer coming back?
The chances of endometrial cancer recurrence vary based on a number of factors that are unique to each patient, including age and the stage and spread of the initial cancer. Endometrial cancer is most likely to recur in the first three years after the initial treatment, though late recurrence is also possible.
If you would like to speak with a physician at Moffitt Cancer Center about endometrial cancer or undergoing a hysterectomy, we invite you to request an appointment. To do so, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.