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Treatment Options for Patients with Uterine Sarcoma |
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Surgery is the most common treatment for uterine sarcoma. UCSD’s gynecologic oncologists are specialists in all surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgeries using the laparoscope and Da Vinci Robot. Depending on the type and stage of uterine sarcoma you have, your physician will determine whether these minimally invasive procedures may be an option.
surgical procedures
- Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, including the cervix.
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: A surgical procedure to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
- Radical hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.
Some patients may be given radiation therapy or chemotherapy after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. The presence of some hormones can cause certain cancers to grow. If tests show that the cancer cells have places where hormones can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them from working.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is used in the treatment of a wide variety of gynecologic cancers. It may be used alone in early stage tumors or combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced disease. In addition, it may be used before or after surgery.
- High-Dose Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed inside the body, close to the tumor. Methods used at UCSD include cylinder, interstitial, tandem and ovoid, and tandem and ring.
- Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a form of external-beam radiation that uses sophisticated technologies to locate the tumor and improve treatment accuracy so that healthy tissue is not harmed.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is another state-of-the-art external beam radiation therapy that improves delivery precision, thereby minimizing dosage to surrounding normal tissue. UCSD’s Dr. Arno Mundt pioneered the use of IMRT in gynecologic cancers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs by mouth, injection or IV to kills cancer cells. One of the unique aspects of gynecologic oncology is that specialists in this field are specially trained in chemotherapy for cancers of women’s reproductive organs. With their advanced knowledge, gynecologic oncologists can select the best drug combinations for each patient, manage complications and minimize side effects.
Read more about Uterine Sarcoma
 Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
 Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703
Gynecologic Cancer Unit
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |