Do you need a referral for radical hysterectomy?

Your current clinician can send the referral with examination findings, scan reports, biopsy results and relevant medical history. The receiving surgeon then determines whether this operation is suitable and discusses alternatives.

This operation removes the uterus, cervix and nearby supporting tissue; the surgical plan may also involve lymph nodes and, in some cases, part of the vagina. Because the extent depends on the cancer and your health, consultation is needed before consent or scheduling.

The team reviews the cancer's location and extent, previous operations, medicines, anaesthetic considerations and your priorities. Fertility, menopause, bladder function, bowel function, sexual health and recovery should be discussed in language you understand.

Ask the referring clinic to include pathology and imaging reports and to explain how the specialist appointment will be arranged. Bring a medicines list, allergy information, details of earlier abdominal or pelvic surgery, and questions about fertility or sexual function.

If you already have a suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancer but no appointment, contact the referring clinic to confirm that the request and records reached the oncology service. A referral does not commit you to an operation; consent follows a discussion of expected benefits, risks and other options.

Seek urgent medical assessment for heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, breathing difficulty, or marked weakness. If surgery has already taken place, urgent warning signs also include chest pain, new shortness of breath, a painful swollen leg, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, or a wound that becomes increasingly red or drains pus.

Ask what tissues the surgeon expects to remove, whether another treatment could be appropriate, how the procedure may affect fertility and bladder or sexual function, and what help will be available during recovery. Clarify which new symptoms should trigger a call to the surgical team.