Endometrial Cancer Treatment in Tampa Bay

Endometrial carcinomas can be divided into several types, including:

• Adenocarcinoma (Endometrial cancer is by far the most common type of adenocarcinoma)
• Serous carcinoma
• Small cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Transitional carcinoma
• Uterine carcinosarcoma

Endometrial cancers are graded based on how well the tumors are organized into glands.

• Grade 1 tumors:  95%+ forming glands
• Grade 2 tumors: 50% – 94% forming glands
• Grade 3 tumors: Less than 50% forming glands

Grade 3 tumors tend to be aggressive and have a more serious prognosis.

Other types of Cancer in the Uterus

Uterine sarcomas are rare forms of cancer that start in the muscle layer or supporting connective tissue of the uterus. 95% of uterine cancers are uterine sarcomas, and are categorized based on where they generate:

• Uterine leiomyosarcomas(LMS) start in the muscular wall of the uterus and spread quickly
• Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) start in the connective tissue in the lining of the uterus and are very rare

Several types of non-cancerous tumors can also develop in the uterus and don’t usually need to be treated.

Endometrial Cancer Treatment Options in Tampa, FL

Many procedures are available to treat endometrial cancer, and typically a combination of several treatment methods is prescribed. Surgery is typically the first step in the treatment process depending on the stage and how advanced the cancer is. For women who still want to be able to get pregnant, however, surgery can sometimes be postponed, and other treatments are tried first.

Treatment for endometrial cancer can include:

• Surgery to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or surrounding lymph nodes
• Radiation Therapy
• Brachytherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone Therapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy

Treatment for endometrial cancer can include external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), or a combination of both. Radiation therapy is usually used after surgery along with other forms of treatment. If your treatment plan for endometrial cancer includes radiation therapy, Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology offers the expertise and latest technology for treating your cancer. When you meet with our doctors at our cancer centers in Tampa and Brandon, they will take the time to perform a complete evaluation, explain all of your options and work closely with you and your doctor to develop a treatment plan. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology offers both external and internal radiation as well as other options for the treatment of endometrial and uterine cancer.

Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about endometrial cancer and treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa and Brandon.

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Some common symptoms are associated with endometrial cancer or other types of uterine cancer or tumors, and typically, these symptoms worsen as cancer advances. Signs to watch for that may indicate endometrial cancer or other uterine conditions include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding during or between periods
• Spotting, bleeding, or other discharge after menopause
• Pelvic pain
• A noticeable mass in the pelvis
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, especially if combined with any other symptoms

Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer

The exact causes of endometrial and uterine cancer and not known, and some women with risk factors never develop endometrial cancer while some women develop endometrial cancer without any risk factors. The factors that are most commonly believed to affect the risk of developing endometrial cancer include:

• Obesity
• Family history
• Age
• Diet and exercise
• Type 2 diabetes
• Total number of menstrual cycles (higher number = higher risk)
• Taking estrogen, birth control pills, or tamoxifen
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
• History of breast or ovarian cancer
• History of endometrial hyperplasia
• Past treatment with radiation to the pelvis

Currently, there are no screening tests for early detection of endometrial cancer, but if you are post-menopausal and have risk factors, or if you experience any of the symptoms associated with endometrial or uterine cancer you should see your doctor or one of the experts at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology for a thorough examination and evaluation.