Uterine Cancer Surgery & Surgical Oncology Procedures
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The first line in the treatment of women with uterine cancer At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is surgery. Our goal during surgery is to locate and remove as much of the tumor tissue as possible, and to understand the extent of the cancer in the uterus and elsewhere in the abdomen.
During your cancer surgery, we will also collect samples of a variety of tissues to test for the presence of cancer, so we can proactively address any cancer metastasis in your treatment plan.
Surgical Procedures
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as your individual fertility concerns, we may perform a variety of uterine cancer surgical procedures, including:
- Hysterectomy: During a hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed.
- Radical Hysterectomy: Although several uterine cancer surgery options exist, for all but a very small percentage of women with uterine cancer, a radical hysterectomy will be necessary. This type of uterine cancer surgery involves removing the uterus, cervix and ovaries, as well as all of the surrounding tissue (the parametria) and the upper part of the vagina.
- Lymphadenectomy: The lymph nodes in the pelvis may also be removed. Your doctor may remove lymph nodes as part of a hysterectomy to stage the cancer and develop a more targeted uterine cancer treatment plan.
- Pelvic Extenteration: For women with recurrent or advanced uterine cancer, pelvic extenteration may be an option. During this type of cancer surgery, the uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries, bladder, rectum and nearby lymph nodes are removed. Tissue from elsewhere in the body is used to reconstruct the vagina, and urine and stool are passed into external bags.
Addressing Fertility Concerns
If you want to preserve your fertility, your surgical oncology expert may be able to preserve your ovaries or eggs. Patients battling more complex diseases may not be candidates for this option. We will discuss a variety of fertility-sparing procedures with you.
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