What does radical hysterectomy treat?

Unlike a simple hysterectomy, this operation removes the womb, cervix, nearby supporting tissues, and the upper part of the vagina. Nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed. The wider removal is intended to take out cancer that has grown just beyond the cervix while preserving a clear surgical margin where possible.

It is most closely associated with cervical cancer. The plan can differ when cancer begins in the womb lining or muscle, such as womb cancer or uterine sarcoma. Endometrial hyperplasia is not automatically treated with a radical operation; its type, symptoms, fertility wishes, and cancer risk guide management.

Your gynaecological cancer team will review examination findings, scans, biopsy results, and whether disease is confined to an area that surgery can address. Discuss fertility, bladder and bowel effects, sexual health, lymph-node assessment, recovery, and whether radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be recommended instead or afterward.

Seek urgent medical advice after surgery for heavy bleeding, worsening abdominal pain, a swollen or painful leg, chest pain, breathlessness, inability to pass urine, or fever. Bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause also deserves assessment because several non-cancerous and cancerous conditions can cause it.

Where is the abnormal tissue located? What exactly will be removed? How could treatment affect fertility, urination, bowel function, and sexual activity? Will I need further treatment?