What is the first treatment for womb cancer?

The operation is usually a hysterectomy. Depending on the tumour and its spread, the surgeon may also assess or remove nearby tissues and lymph nodes. A biopsy confirms the cell type, while scans help the team understand the extent of disease before choosing treatment. Some people need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or brachytherapy before or after surgery, or instead of an operation when surgery is unsuitable.

The order is personal. Age, general health, fertility wishes, tumour grade, stage and hormone features can all affect the recommendation.

Arrange a gynaecological oncology appointment and bring your biopsy and scan reports if you have them. Ask whether the proposed operation is a standard or radical hysterectomy, what recovery involves, and whether additional treatment is expected. If diagnosis is still being checked, an endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound may be part of the assessment.

Contact your clinical team promptly for heavy or persistent vaginal bleeding, new pelvic pain, faintness or marked weakness. Seek urgent help for bleeding that makes you feel dizzy or short of breath, severe pain, or sudden deterioration.

What did the biopsy show, and what stage is suspected? Is surgery suitable for me? Which organs or lymph nodes might be involved? Could treatment affect fertility, bladder or bowel function? When would chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy be considered?