Treatment and Prevention
Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is essential to treat endometrial cancer. This won't interfere with sexual activity, but the operation leads to infertility and can't be reversed. Only after the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries have been removed can doctors judge the extent of the cancer. If the cancer is confined to one location (low stage), and isn't an aggressive type (low grade), it's usually safe to stop treatment. Women with a slightly higher grade cancer or cancer at a more advanced stage usually require a course of radiation treatment after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
In more widespread cancer, surgery isn't an option and radiation treatment is offered instead. Abdominal radiation treatment can have unpleasant side effects, including extreme nausea. Another common side effect is vaginal stenosis, in which the vagina begins to close up and requires regular stretching with a special device known as a dilator. This can be done at home. If the cancer is very advanced, chemotherapy is also used.
Synthetic progestins, a form of the hormone progesterone is used to treat endometrial cancer when it is advanced or when it recurs. It has only mild side effects compared to typical cancer medications. There is no evidence that anyone has ever been cured by chemotherapy alone. Some women have been cured by radiation alone after deciding against hysterectomy. However, many experts agree that keeping the uterus intact reduces the chances of a cure.