Uterine Cancer Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
Being diagnosed with uterine cancer can raise several questions for patients and their families. Concerns about the type and stage of cancer, treatment options, surgery, recovery, and future health are common.
When uterine cancer is suspected or confirmed, a detailed evaluation is performed to understand the tumour type, grade, extent of disease, and whether it has spread beyond the uterus. The patient’s general health and individual treatment goals are also considered before deciding on the treatment strategy.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Cancer Surgeon), and this page provides an overview of uterine cancer, including its symptoms, evaluation, treatment options, and surgical approaches.
What Is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer develops when cells within the uterus undergo abnormal changes and begin to grow and multiply without normal control. The uterus, commonly called the womb, is the reproductive organ in which a pregnancy develops.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
Abnormal bleeding is one of the most important symptoms associated with uterine cancer. Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease.
Common symptoms may include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavier or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain or persistent discomfort
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Unusual or watery vaginal discharge
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
Any new, unusual, or persistent vaginal bleeding should be medically evaluated, particularly bleeding after menopause. Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and support timely treatment when required.
Evaluation of Uterine Cancer
A comprehensive evaluation is required to confirm uterine cancer, identify the type of tumour, determine its grade, and assess how far the disease has progressed.
Pelvic Examination
A pelvic examination allows the doctor to assess the uterus, cervix, and surrounding pelvic structures for abnormalities that may require further investigation.
Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound is commonly used to examine the uterus and assess the thickness and appearance of the endometrium. It can also help identify abnormal growths or other changes within the uterus.
Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy involves collecting a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present and identify the type of abnormality.
Treatment Options for Uterine Cancer
Treatment for uterine cancer is tailored to the type and grade of tumour, stage of disease, extent of spread, and the patient’s overall health.
Depending on the individual situation, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted treatment, or a combination of these approaches.
Surgery is a central part of treatment for many patients, particularly when the cancer is confined to the uterus. The main objective is to remove the primary tumour and assess the extent of disease to guide further treatment. The procedure may involve removal of the uterus along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries, with assessment or removal of lymph nodes when clinically appropriate.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or reduce the risk of the disease returning. It may be recommended after surgery for selected patients based on tumour characteristics and recurrence risk. Radiation may also have a role in treating certain advanced or recurrent uterine cancers or controlling symptoms in specific situations.
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from continuing to grow. It may be recommended for selected high-risk uterine cancers, advanced disease, or cancer that has returned after previous treatment. In certain situations, chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy or other systemic treatments.
Certain uterine cancers may respond to hormonal treatment, particularly when the tumour demonstrates hormone-sensitive characteristics. Hormone therapy works by modifying the hormonal signals that can support the growth of cancer cells. It may be considered in selected patients, including some cases of advanced or recurrent disease, based on tumour characteristics and treatment goals.
Targeted treatments are designed to act on specific molecular or biological features involved in cancer growth. In selected patients, tumour testing may identify characteristics that make targeted medicines an appropriate treatment option. The decision is based on the type of cancer, molecular findings, previous treatments, and the patient’s individual condition.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is an important part of uterine cancer treatment and focuses on helping patients manage symptoms, treatment-related effects, and overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.
Nutritional Support
Maintaining adequate nutrition can help patients manage the effects of cancer treatment, maintain strength, and support recovery after surgery or other treatments. Personalized dietary guidance may be recommended based on the patient’s nutritional status and treatment requirements.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help patients regain strength, mobility, and physical function following surgery. It may also support recovery and help patients gradually return to their routine activities.
Surgical Approaches for Uterine Cancer
The choice of surgical technique depends on the extent of disease, tumour characteristics, previous treatments, overall health, and the complexity of the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Uterine Cancer Surgery
In selected patients, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery may be considered.
Robotic-Assisted Uterine Cancer Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery uses specialized instruments and a robotic surgical platform to help the surgeon perform complex procedures with enhanced visualization and precise instrument control.
It may be considered for selected patients based on the tumour characteristics, surgical requirements, and overall health condition.
Dr. Ajay Simha is experienced in advanced uterine cancer surgery, including open and minimally invasive surgical approaches. His treatment philosophy focuses on careful preoperative assessment, appropriate surgical planning, effective cancer management, and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially bleeding after menopause. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, unusual discharge, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
Uterine cancer diagnosis may involve pelvic examination, ultrasound scan, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans when required.
Surgery is often the primary treatment for uterine cancer, especially when the disease is detected at an early stage. The treatment approach depends on cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. In uterine cancer treatment, it may be combined with removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lymph node assessment when required.
In selected patients, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery may be considered depending on tumour characteristics, cancer stage, and surgical requirements.