How is uterine sarcoma treated?

Considering treatment options

After the diagnostic tests are done, your cancer care team will recommend one or more treatment options. Don't feel rushed about making a decision. If there is anything you do not understand, ask to have it explained again. The choice of treatment depends largely on the type of cancer and stage of the disease when it is diagnosed. Other factors might play a part in choosing the best treatment plan. These could include your age, your overall state of health, whether you plan to have children, and other personal considerations. Be sure you understand all of the risks and side effects of different treatment options before making a decision.

From the start, keep in mind that you will be dealing with your own body and emotions. In the process of deciding what kind of treatment to have, you will find it helpful to discuss options with your family and friends, as well as with your primary care doctor and nurse. At every step of the way, before treatment, during treatment, and in recovery, you should talk with your cancer care team about side effects and ways to avoid them or make them easier to handle. They want to answer your questions, so ask them! See “What should you ask your doctor about uterine sarcoma” for possible questions to ask.

You may want to get a second opinion. This can provide more information and help you feel confident about the treatment plan you choose. Some insurance companies require a second opinion before they will pay for certain treatments, but a second opinion is usually not required for routine cancer treatments.

There are 4 basic types of treatment for women with uterine sarcoma:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

A combination of these treatments may be used. Which treatment--or treatments-- are used depends on the type and stage of your cancer as well as your overall medical condition. Most women with uterine sarcoma have surgery to remove the cancer. Radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy are sometimes given to lower the risk of the cancer coming back after surgery. These treatments may also be used for cancers that cannot be removed with surgery or when a woman can't have surgery because she has other health problems.

For information about some of the most common approaches used based on the extent of the disease, see the section “Treatment options for uterine sarcoma by stage.”