Genetic Counseling and Testing for Uterine Cancer
Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of uterine cancer. Nuvance Health offers dedicated genetic counselors to discuss your family history and tests to assess your risk. Explore genetic counseling for cancer.
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer may include:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Pelvic pain
Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection for Endometrial Cancer
Your lymph system carries infection-fighting white blood cells through your body, and lymph nodes help filter and attack germs. Sentinel lymph node mapping allows the surgeon to detect the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes without long-term side effects like chronic leg swelling (lymphedema). It can also help us determine whether you need treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Diagnosing Uterine Cancer
Pathologists with specific training in uterine cancer use advanced technology to make a precise diagnosis. Your doctor may order one or more tests that create detailed pictures of your organs, including:
Imaging tests
- Computed tomography (CT): We take many X-rays from different angles to produce cross-sections of specific areas.
- Ultrasound: We use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures in your body.
Other diagnostic procedures
- Pelvic exam: Examining the vagina and abdomen
- Blood tests: Checking your blood for mutations linked to uterine cancer.
- Diagnostic surgery: Placing a small camera into the uterus to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm a diagnosis.
- Endometrial biopsy: A small instrument is inserted into the uterus to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm a diagnosis. This can be done in an outpatient clinical setting.
Uterine Cancer Treatment
We offer comprehensive treatment for uterine cancer, including:
- Surgery to remove the tumor or affected organs.
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
- Medical oncology, a group of treatments that use drugs and other substances to fight cancer cells. Read more about chemotherapy and other medical oncology.
- Radiation therapy uses rays of energy to shrink the cancer or remove traces of cancer that remain after surgery. Explore radiation therapy.
- Supportive care may include assistance from social workers and therapies to reduce the side effects of treatment. Find out more about supportive therapies.
- Clinical trials can provide access to novel treatments not yet widely available. Learn more about clinical trials and research.
Advanced Surgery for Uterine Cancer
We can perform many surgeries using minimally invasive methods to help make your recovery faster and easier. These options include:
- Laparoscopy: We make small incisions in the abdomen and use a thin, flexible instrument with a camera on the tip to guide the procedure.
- Robotic surgery: Your surgeon uses a robotic system to assist in laparoscopic procedures. The robot allows us to operate using 3D vision and precise movements