Endometrial Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer. The uterus is an organ inside your abdomen where an unborn baby can grow. The lining inside the uterus is called the endometrium. With endometrial cancer, abnormal cells collect in the endometrium. This group of cells is called cancer.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Endometrial cancer can spread outside of the uterus to other body organs, such as the liver. When cancer spreads, it is called metastasis. Cancer that has spread may prevent other organs from working as they should. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This can cause pain and swelling, and it can stop blood from flowing where it needs to go in the body. The blood clot can break loose and travel to your lungs. A blood clot in your lungs can cause chest pain and trouble breathing. This problem can be life-threatening.
  
  
• Risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs, such as the bowel. You cannot have children after having a hysterectomy. During radiation or chemotherapy treatments, you may feel sick to your stomach, throw up, and lose weight. Treatments can make it hard for your body to fight illness and infection, and may cause other unwanted side effects. Cancer may come back, even with treatment. Treatment may not cure endometrial cancer. If you have questions about these risks, talk to your caregiver.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Endometrial cancer staging:

Staging helps you and your caregiver learn more about your endometrial cancer. When caregivers learn the stage of your cancer, it helps them suggest the best treatment options for you. The stage that your cancer is in can be found through tests or by doing surgery. A stage with a lower number means that the cancer has not spread. A stage with a higher number means that the cancer has spread beyond the area where it began.

Tests:

You may need blood tests, a chest x-ray, and any of the following:

• Computed tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. During a CT scan, pictures of your abdomen and pelvis are taken. This test shows where the cancer is located and if it has spread. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (crab, lobster, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to iodine or shellfish.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This test is called an MRI. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your abdomen and pelvis. An MRI may be used to show changes to the organs and blood vessels in your abdomen and pelvis. This test can show if the cancer has spread. The MRI machine contains a magnet. Never enter the MRI room with any metal objects. This can cause serious injury. Tell your caregiver if you have any metal implants in your body.

Treatment:

Treatment may decrease your symptoms, stop the cancer’s spread, or even cure the disease. Ask your caregiver for more information about the treatment that you need. Treatment options include:

• Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. Your fallopian tubes and ovaries also may be removed. Caregivers may also remove some nearby lymph nodes.
  
  
• Radiation: You may need radiation therapy. Radiation treatment uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading.
  
  
• Chemotherapy: This medicine is used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them.

Diet:

It is important that you get good nutrition when you have cancer. Eat a variety of healthy foods. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. If you have trouble swallowing, you may be given foods that are soft or in liquid form. Ask your caregiver about any extra nutrition you may need, such as nutrition shakes or vitamins. Tell your caregiver if you have problems eating, or if you are getting sick to your stomach.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Endometrial Cancer (Inpatient Care)