State-of-the-art treatment for uterine cancer
"I'm living proof that uterine cancer caught early is highly treatable and curable. I was lucky; I didn't ignore the warning signs," says a patient of
Howard Saul, DO, Virtua gynecologic oncologist.
More common than you think
The type of treatment
More common than you think
Today, uterine cancer - cancer of the lining or body of the uterus - is the most common gynecologic cancer in postmenopausal women with 37,000 new cases reported each year. Dr. Saul explains: "Unlike breast cancer, uterine cancer is rarely hereditary. Abnormal bleeding, spotting or staining are the most common symptoms. Pelvic pain and significant discharge can also be warning signs. Although these symptoms may indicate far less serious problems, it's always important to report anything unusual to your doctor."
Contrary to popular belief, a PAP smear does not screen for uterine cancer. It only detects cancer of the cervix, the "neck" of the uterus. Uterine cancer, which most commonly affects the uterine lining or endometrium, is diagnosed through a variety of procedures. One is an endometrial biopsy, a tissue sampling from the inner lining of the uterus. Sometimes, a patient may require a dilation and curettage (D&C) to open the cervix wider so that a more accurate endometrial sample can be obtained.
The type of treatment
"The stage at which the disease is caught determines the type of treatment, says Lemuel Ariaratnam, MD, chief of radiation oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center at Virtua Memorial Hospital. "We are always looking for ways to deliver the highest level of treatment while limiting side effects. For women whose uterine cancer is caught at the earliest stage, surgery to remove the cancer is the standard of care."
Dr. Ariaratnam continues: "Radiation therapy is often used in addition to surgery. A common form of radiation therapy is called brachytherapy where tiny tubes containing a radioactive substance are placed within the woman, near the tumor. She then stays in the hospital for two days while the radiation works to destroy the tumor. It's therapy we have used for more than 20 years with excellent results."
Dr. Saul adds that Virtua Health offers state-of-the-art surgical equipment as well as leading edge radiation treatment. "Virtua is one of the few healthcare providers in the area where the latest cauterizing techniques are used during surgery. The cauterizing instrument seals off blood vessels very quickly, so surgery goes faster and not as much surgical suture has to be used."
Only in cases where a woman has aggressive uterine cancer is chemotherapy used. It's important to remember that only a physician can determine the appropriate course of treatment for any patient, one based on her medical history and disease.
Virtua Health radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, surgeons and gynecologists offer women a comprehensive, state-of-the-art program for diagnosing and treating uterine cancer, taking into consideration all of the physical, sexual and social aspects of the disease. To help women manage the condition on an even more holistic level, Virtua provides a range of education programs that deal with stress and anxiety management, self-image, and more.