How effective is radical hysterectomy for womb cancer?

Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer, starts in the lining of the uterus. Surgery commonly removes the uterus and cervix, and the team may assess lymph nodes. A radical approach removes additional tissues beside the cervix when the tumour extends into that area or a wider margin is needed.

The surgeon and cancer team use scans, biopsy results, tumour grade, cell type, depth of invasion and lymph-node findings to decide whether this operation is appropriate. Surgery may be combined with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone treatment or other care when the cancer’s features call for it.

Ask whether a standard hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy is planned and what finding makes the difference. Discuss the impact on fertility, menopause, bladder and bowel function, sexual wellbeing, lymphoedema risk and recovery at home.

Give the team a full medicines list and mention prior pelvic surgery, blood-clot history and other health conditions. Ask when the final pathology will be available and how it will shape follow-up or additional treatment.

During recovery, contact the surgical team urgently for heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, increasing pelvic pain, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden leg swelling. These symptoms should be assessed promptly.

Which part of my womb cancer makes radical surgery suitable? What tissues and lymph nodes will be removed or checked? Is another operation equally appropriate? What side effects and rehabilitation should I expect, and could I need treatment after surgery?