Treatment For Womb Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The MDT will look at many factors when planning your treatment options. These will include:

  • your general health
  • the type and size of the tumour
  • whether the cancer has begun to spread.

The main treatment for womb cancer is an operation to remove the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is sometimes the only treatment needed to cure the cancer. Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, you may also be offered treatments after surgery. These can help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Your doctor will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions. You may also be invited to take part in a clinical trial.

The types of treatment you may have include:

  • Surgery - surgery to remove the womb (a hysterectomy) is usually the main treatment for womb cancer. Sometimes surgery is used to treat womb cancer that has spread.
  • Radiotherapy - radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. Radiotherapy may be used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery. It may also be given as the main treatment for womb cancer or to help manage symptoms of advanced womb cancer.
  • Chemotherapy - chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery or radiotherapy. Or it may be used to help control cancer and relieve symptoms.
  • Hormonal Treatments - the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can affect how cells in the womb lining grow. You may be offered hormonal therapy to try to shrink and control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

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