Uterine cancer can be treated through four primary methods, with the appropriate approach determined by factors such as the cancer stage, overall health, and medical history:
1. Surgery: This involves removing cancerous lesions in and around the uterus, often followed by chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
2. Radiation therapy: Depending on the extent of metastasis, external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation) may be used. Common side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and diarrhea, which typically resolve after treatment.
3. Chemotherapy: Various drugs are used to disrupt the growth of abnormal cells and kill them. Chemotherapy may be chosen if cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
4. Hormone therapy: This approach blocks cancer cells from receiving hormones that promote their growth. It may involve progesterone pills or, in advanced stages, tamoxifen. Combining hormone therapy with standard treatments can improve outcomes, especially in early-stage cancer.
In advanced stages, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or bilateral oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) may be necessary. These surgeries are generally safe but may result in infertility as a complication.