Uterine Cancer Treatment: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The gynecologic oncologist may suggest any of these available treatment choices such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The direction that the treatment can take is decided upon factors such as the stage of uterine cancer you are in, your age, and health parameters. 

Surgery: Removing ovaries, uterus, part of the vagina, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes

Chemotherapy: Cycles of drug being administered with gaps in between. These drugs are given to the patient via an IV.

Radiation Therapy: Internal or external radiation

Hormone Therapy: The usage of progesterone on the uterine cancer cells.

Risks and Complications of Uterine Cancer Treatment

There are various treatment methods and related side effects of each treatment procedure. We mention here the risks and complications due to chemotherapy and surgery.

Side effects due to Chemotherapy:

• Fatigue

• Risk of infection

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Hair loss

• Loss of appetite, and diarrhoea

• Inability to become pregnant

• Early menopause

Side effects due to Surgery:

• Pain and tiredness

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Difficulty emptying the bladder and having bowel movements

• Menopausal symptoms (incase ovaries are removed)

• Swelling in legs (in case lymphadenectomy is done)

• Inability to become pregnant (when hysterectomy is done)

Follow up care after Uterine Cancer Treatment

The frequency of the post-treatment consultations should be higher during the first one to two years post-treatment.

During these consultations, it is important to update the doctor about any additional symptoms if any which might indicate the return of cancer or another condition.

Regular physical examinations including pelvic examination and medical tests include blood tests and X-rays should be undertaken during post-treatment consultations.

A recommended post-cancer treatment rehabilitation plan must include

• Physical Therapy

• Pain Management 

• Nutritional Planning

• Emotional Counselling