Endometrial/Uterine Cancer |
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ENDOMETRIAL CANCER 1. What did the test/biopsy show?2. What exactly does that mean? 3. What parts of my body are affected? 4. Which parts can be affected? 5. What are my options as you see them? 6. How often and how long are the treatments? 7. What test and procedure will be used to monitor my progress? 8. How do you plan to make me well again? 9. Explain all the plans you have for my recovery? 10. What is the treatment? 11. How long will it take? 12. How will it change my daily routine? 13. What research is being done? Where? 14. Where else can I get an opinion? 15. Do I need to see more than one doctor? 16. When do you plan to start? 17. Where can I obtain more information regarding my treatment? 1. What did the test/biopsy show? Cancer of the endometrium or lining of the uterus. 2. What exactly does that mean? This is a cancer arising from the internal surface of the uterus.
The cancer is usually confined to the uterus in 75% of cases. In 25%
of the patients, the disease will have spread to other areas. 3. What parts of my body are affected? At least the uterus is affected. 4. Which parts can be affected? Structures surrounding the uterine body such as the cervix and the
tubes and ovaries can be involved. Other common areas where the disease
can spread include the lymph nodes in the pelvis and surrounding the
great vessels along the back or other organs. Please feel free to
request a diagram. 5. What are my options as you see them? Surgery is the standard therapy for patients that are of a reasonable
surgical risk. Radiation can be given to patients who are not in good
enough condition for surgery or may have disease not amenable to surgery.
The cure rate is about 20% less with radiation compared to surgery. 6. How often and how long are the treatments? The treatment is a one-time event unless you need radiation or chemotherapy.
Most patients do not need additional therapy, unless the cancer has
spread or other high risk factors are determined from the pathology
report. 7. What test and procedure will be used to monitor my progress? Physical examination including pelvic exam will be the primary tool
follow-up. You may need imaging tests or blood tests depending on
your symptoms. 8. How do you plan to make me well again? The surgery is designed to cure the cancer. With proper motivation,
exercise, and diet you will be back to normal within 8 weeks. 9. Explain all the plans you have for my recovery? For an open surgery, you will be in the hospital after your surgery
for about 3 to 4 days. The treatment is surgical removal of the uterus, tubes and ovaries through an abdominal incision. Pelvic and periaortic lymph nodes will also be removed to check for spread of cancer (metastasis). Typically a patient with Endometrial Cancer requires a large abdominal incision and will spend up to 3-4 days in the hospital. Blood loss may range from 200-500 ml and recovery time may be up to six weeks before returning to normal activity. On a traditional operation for these cancers; patients are not fed for the first 24 hours after surgery and are slowly started on a liquid diet. In addition, pain control requires IV narcotics. Laparoscopic robotic surgery is available to care for patients with endometrial cancer. Drs. Arango and Kirby are Gynecologic Oncologists trained in Robotic surgery. They are among the most experienced robotic surgeons in the country. They have been providing robotic surgery in Florida since June 2005. With robotic surgery, the patient has minimal blood loss. The operation is comparable to the open procedure, however, the post-operative recovery time is quicker. Robotic surgery also allows for a more precise surgery as the anatomy is magnified, leading to minimal blood loss during the procedure and preservation of nerve bundles that are usually damaged during standard surgery. Robotic surgery, by the virtue of utilizing small incisions, decreases risk of wound infections and hernias that can be commonly seen in obese patient affected with endometrial cancer. Morton Plant Mease was the first hospital in Pinellas County and
on the West Coast of Florida to offer this technique to their gynecologic
oncology patients. The open operation usually takes about two hours. You can expect to be very drowsy for several hours. Nursing staff will frequently assess your pain level, bowel and bladder functions and your ability to take fluids and solids. To prevent complications you will be assisted with coughing, deep breathing and walking. Robotic surgery takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. You will be 1 to
3 hours in the recovery room. You will then go back to your room.
After surgery, a patient is given a regular diet and pain control
is provided by oral pain meds. Robotic surgery patients are discharged
home ambulating the day after surgery and are able to resume normal
activities within two weeks. 12. How will it change my daily routine? You will need to take some pain medication for as much as 6 weeks
after surgery. You will not be able to drive for about 2 weeks after
surgery and will need help at home with meals and housework. You will
not be able to lift anything over 5 pounds. 13. What research is being done? Where? The Gynecologic Oncology Group of which we are members is carrying
out research regarding the best methods of treatment for endometrial
cancer. The Gynecologic Oncology Group is a national organization
study group looking at this disease. 14. Where else can I get an opinion? James Fiorica (941) 917-8383 15. Do I need to see more than one doctor? You may need to see a radiation therapist if your lymph nodes are
found to be involved or certain other areas are involved. 16. When do you plan to start? We consider many things prior to beginning your care. Our goal is
to begin as soon as possible. 17. Where can I obtain more information regarding my treatment? www.intuitive.com |
