What procedures help treat endometrial cancer?

Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) is the most common treatment for endometrial cancer. Surgery has the highest cure rate of all treatments for endometrial cancer.

Along with the uterus, the surgeon also removes the fallopian tubes, ovaries and often the pelvic lymph nodes. Everything is then examined to find out the extent of the cancer and to help plan your treatment. If there are signs that more aggressive cancer still may be in the lymph system, more lymph nodes may be removed.

Surgery choices

• Hysterectomy with removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
• Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)

What to think about

Most women have their ovaries removed after a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. This is to make sure the cancer has not spread to the ovaries, to reduce the production of estrogen, and to slow cancer growth.

If you're still in your childbearing years, a hysterectomy means that pregnancy will no longer be possible and that your menstrual periods will end. The hormonal changes of menopause will begin as soon as your ovaries are removed.