What Are the Chances I'll Need a Hysterectomy After Being Diagnosed With Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer, which develops in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), is often treated surgically with a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. These procedures, which involve the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, are usually the best way to ensure the most complete removal of the cancer. A hysterectomy can also provide important diagnostic and staging information, which can help a physician determine if the cancer has spread deep into the uterine muscle layer or beyond.

Are there alternatives to surgery for uterine cancer treatment?

In addition to a hysterectomy, there are other types of uterine cancer treatment, such as:

• Chemotherapy – Powerful medications are administered orally or intravenously, after which they enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body to reach and destroy cancerous cells.
• Radiation therapy – High-energy X-ray beams generated by an external linear accelerator are targeted directly at a cancer site. An alternative form of radiation therapy involves the implantation of a radioactive substance that is sealed within a needle, wire, catheter or seed.
• Hormone therapy – Medications or radiation therapy are used to inhibit the body’s production of certain hormones that stimulate cancer growth (or render those hormones ineffective).

Even if a patient undergoes a hysterectomy and the surgeon is able to remove all visible signs of cancer, further treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, may be recommended to destroy any residual cancer cells.

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer, you will likely need a hysterectomy. However, to ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life, your treatment plan should be fully tailored to meet your unique needs. You can receive this type of individualized attention in the gynecologic clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center, where we take a multispecialty approach to uterine cancer treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about uterine cancer treatment at Moffitt, you can request an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing our new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.