Understanding Endometrial Cancer Treatment
Endometrial cancer treatment involves one or a combination of approaches. The best treatment for uterine cancer depends on the cancer’s type and extent,whether it’s localized or has spread,your overall health,age,and personal preferences – including if preserving fertility is crucial.
Surgery
A total hysterectomy is the primary surgical treatment for uterine cancer. This procedure removes the entire uterus and cervix. Doctors often perform a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) to lower the risk of cancer spreading. Thay may also remove lymph nodes from the pelvic area to check for cancer outside the uterus. [Source]
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy works by blocking or changing the effects of hormones that fuel cancer growth. It’s an option for patients who want to keep their uterus and fertility. It’s also frequently used for stage 3 or 4 cancer, or cancer that returns after initial treatment.
Medication lowers hormone levels,causing uterine cancer cells – which rely on hormones to grow – to die. These drugs are available as pills or injections. hormone treatment options for endometrial cancer include:
- Progestins,the most common hormone treatment.
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs)
- Tamoxifen
- Fulvestrant