Uterine & endometrial cancer treatment

A diagnosis of endometrial or uterine cancer can feel both scary and overwhelming. At Advocate Health Care, we combine compassionate care with a full range of treatments to help you fight the condition with confidence.

Our gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive urologists, pathologists, oncology nurses and other care providers all work together to meet your specific needs. We’ll work closely with you to create the best possible treatment plan for your uterine cancer symptoms, including access to a full range of cancer support services to meet your needs.

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Types of treatments we offer

Treatment of endometrial or uterine cancer symptoms depends on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Our goal is keep you feeling well throughout treatment for symptoms of uterine cancer without major changes to your usual routine.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended for most women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, including the cervix, through an incision in the abdomen
• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes to dramatically reduce the body's production of estrogen and to minimize the risk of cancer spreading

Both surgeries can usually be done at the same time so you won't need to schedule two operations. Your surgeon will probably remove some pelvic lymph nodes to help determine if cancer has spread.

Side effects of surgery

Surgical treatment of symptoms of uterine cancer can result in urinary incontinence or pelvic prolapse. Our female reconstructive urology services help women regain urinary control. Reconstructive urologists at Advocate Health use a full range of surgical and nonsurgical techniques, such as medications for bladder control, injection of Botox and other agents, and surgical creation of an artificial urinary sphincter.

Because endometrial cancer is related to the hormone estrogen, doctors sometimes recommend progesterone and other progestin drugs, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) agonists to help slow the growth of endometrial cells.

Chemotherapy & radiation therapy

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

HIPEC combines surgery with the application of chemotherapy. This innovative procedure starts with surgery to remove all visible cancer tumors. Then a heated chemotherapy drug is placed in the open abdominal cavity and allowed to stay there for an hour or more. Then the medication is drained and the surgical incision is closed.