Endometrial Cancer. Women s and Children s Division. Information for patients

Transcription

1 Endometrial Cancer Women s and Children s Division Information for patients i

2 Endometrial cancer This leaflet has been written to help you understand your diagnosis of endometrial cancer. What is endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is the name given to a cancer arising from your endometrium. The endometrium is the internal lining of the uterus (womb). The uterus is a muscular organ, usually about the size and shape of a pear. Endometrial cancer is sometimes referred to as cancer of the womb or cancer of the uterus. Who gets cancer of the endometrium? Approximately 6,000 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer in Britain each year. It usually occurs in women who are postmenopausal, and it is rare in women under the age of 40. 2

3 What are the signs and symptoms? The most common initial symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. All women who have any post menopausal bleeding / discharge will be investigated after being referred to the hospital by their GP. How is it diagnosed? If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer you may already have had some of the following investigations: Ultrasound scan: This examination uses sound waves to obtain a picture of the uterus and to look at the endometrium. The endometrium is usually thicker in women with endometrial cancer. Endometrial biopsy: A small plastic tube is inserted into your womb, through your cervix, during your examination in the outpatient department. This is to obtain a sample of the lining of your womb for testing. Although this procedure may be a little uncomfortable, it is not normally painful and therefore an anaesthetic is not used. Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope is a fine telescope, which is inserted into your womb through your cervix. The doctor can then look into your womb to see the endometrium. This is often performed in the outpatient department, but may be done under general anaesthetic as a day case admission. This will depend on the consultation with your consultant. A sample of the endometrium may be obtained using a fine plastic tube during the hysteroscopy. 3

4 How is endometrial cancer treated? When your test results are back from the laboratory, the consultant will discuss treatment options with you. These will consist of: Surgery: This is the most usual method of treating endometrial cancer. This treatment involves having a hysterectomy (removal of the womb) and a salpingo-oopherectomy (both fallopian tubes and both ovaries removed). Lymph glands are sometimes also removed, to be looked at in the laboratory along with your womb. If surgery is recommended for you, the surgical options for treatment will be explained. There are three options for surgical treatment: Open procedure - this involves a hospital stay of three to five days and up to three months to recover. Laparoscopic hysterectomy - this involves a shorter stay in hospital of up to 48 hours and a recovery of four weeks. Robotic hysterectomy - this also involves a shorter stay in hospital and shorter recovery time. The type of surgery most suitable for you will be discussed with you by your surgeon, as laparoscopic or robotic surgery may not be appropriate for you. Written information about your operation will be given to you at your pre-assessment visit. Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy (sometimes called X-ray therapy) is the use of high energy radiation to kill diseased cells in the body. The treatments are totally painless (just like having an ordinary X-ray). An information booklet explaining radiotherapy will be given to you if you require radiotherapy. 4

5 How is endometrial cancer treated? (continued) Radiotherapy can be used for: Women who have endometrial cancer, but are not fit enough to undergo major surgery. Women who have had surgery and whose test results show that radiotherapy is needed to prevent recurrence of the cancer. Women in whom cancer has spread beyond the womb, and surgery has not completely removed it. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is drug treatment used to destroy or control cancer cells. The drugs are carried by the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy may be used for: Women who have had surgery and whose test results show that chemotherapy is needed to prevent recurrence of the cancer. Women who are having radiotherapy and whose doctors feel that both treatments are needed to prevent recurrence of the cancer. Hormonal therapy: In certain cases, if you are not fit enough for other treatments, your doctor may wish to give you hormone therapy. Some cancers of the uterus can be sensitive to hormones such as progesterone, and this treatment may shrink the cancer and control symptoms. Progesterone can be given in tablet form. It can stop or slow the growth of endometrial cancer cells for some women. 5

6 How is endometrial cancer treated? (continued) We would suggest that in addition to this leaflet, you also read the Macmillan Cancer Support booklet, Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer. This can be obtained free of charge by ringing Macmillan on Please contact your Gynaecology Nurse Specialists (Key Workers) for further advice and support. They are available Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm. Telephone: Further information Macmillan Cancer Support For information and support from cancer support specialists. Freephone: Website: Cancer Information Centre Osborne Building Leicester Royal Infirmary Leicester LE1 5WW Telephone: Website: Support groups Gynaecology Cancer Support Group Meetings held on the first Tuesday of every month pm to 3 pm Coping with Cancer 35 Westleigh Road Leicester LE3 0HH Contact Coping with Cancer for further details on

7 Questions If you have any questions, write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your consultant. 7

8 If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on Gynaecology Patient Information Group Endometrial Cancer Edition 7: October 2016 For review October 2018 CAN