If you were recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer, the most common type of gynecologic cancer, you will need to make some decisions about who will lead your care, the treatments you’ll receive, and how you will move ahead. The gynecologic oncologists at Affiliated Oncologists and Gynecologic Cancer Institute of Chicago (GCI) are here to help you.
A diagnosis of endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) will usually come from your gynecologist or possibly a gynecologic surgeon. After being diagnosed with endometrial cancer, it is important to meet with a gynecologist oncologist who specializes in treating cancer, particularly those that develop in a woman's reproductive organs.
This is the first step toward determining the best treatment plan for you.
The cancer care team at Affiliated Oncologists includes gynecologic oncologists, who are also surgeons. They dedicated themselves to the needs of uterine cancer patients in the south Chicago area with locations in Oak Lawn and Downers Grove, Illinois.
In addition to your gynecologic oncologist, who leads the care team, several other medical professionals are included in the treatment process:
Radiation oncologist
Advanced practice providers, including a physician assistant or nurse practitioner
Infusion nurses
Radiation technicians/therapists
Genetic counselor
Dietitian
The team also includes other helpful members who can assist you with managing side effects, accessing financial resources, providing emotional support, and helping your family during your cancer journey.
They will collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Endometrial cancer is categorized based on a number system ranging from I to IV(4) based on the extent of its spread. Stage I is localized, non-invasive cancer, while stage IV means that cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In addition to stages, a grade between 1 and 3 is determined, with grade 1 being slower growing and grade 3 being an aggressive cancer. Your gynecologic oncologist will be able to determine the extent of your uterine cancer by analyzing the results of the biopsy and the images taken.
Patients who receive treatment at Affiliated Oncologists can expect a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific type of cancer, stage, grade, and general health status. The gynecologic cancer care team will also take into consideration your menopausal status when choosing treatments. The endometrial cancer specialists work with other care team members to recommend a personalized treatment plan. The most common uterine cancer treatments are outlined below.
The gynecologic surgical oncologist will consider several factors to determine what type of surgery you will most benefit from if surgery is needed. Our surgeons have access to the latest surgical technologies and find the least invasive approach that works best for you.
Radiation therapy can be given in different ways for endometrial cancer, including internally and externally. Some patients may receive one type of radiation therapy, while others may receive both. Radiation can be used before or after surgery to remove the cancer but is often used to kill any cancer cells that may remain in the area after surgery.
Several other treatments for endometrial cancer are available and are standard treatment methods for cancer that has spread to distant areas of the body, including the lymph nodes. These might include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Affiliated Oncologists’s cancer specialists participate in endometrial cancer research in hopes of being able to find and provide new treatments to our patients in the south Chicago area. Talk to a member of your endometrial cancer care team to see if a clinical trial is available and if you are eligible to participate.
During your first oncology appointment, you will receive a lot of information. Keeping track of what you're told and the questions you want to ask your gynecologic cancer specialist is essential. Our care team has gathered some helpful tips to help you stay organized.
We suggest getting a notebook to keep a record of critical information. You can note how you feel, the medicines or supplements you take, and any questions, thoughts, or observations regarding appointments and procedures. Remember to date everything you log down.
If a different method works better for you, use it regularly. Having information written down can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors, making it easier for them to understand your concerns and provide you with the best care possible.
What type of surgery will I have?
How long will it take to recover?
Do I need any other treatments? If yes, what would they be?
How long after surgery will my other treatments start?
Do I need any treatments before surgery?
Will I need hormone replacement therapy after surgery?
If I will have any IV therapies, will I need a port inserted? Where will it go?
What are the common side effects associated with the treatments?
How often will I receive treatments?
Do you recommend genetic testing to see if there is a hereditary connection?
What other physicians might be involved in my care?
Can I have children after my treatment is complete?
Can I have sex after my treatment is complete?
It's essential that you feel assured about your endometrial cancer diagnosis and the proposed treatment options. Because of this, many patients prefer to get a second opinion before treatment. Our physicians provide second opinions on endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment options at Affiliated Oncologists. While many insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, you should still contact your provider to verify coverage for second opinion appointments.
Watch the video below to learn about the importance of a second opinion for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The cancer specialists at Affiliated Oncologists and GCI are here to help you every step of the way during this difficult time. We provide our patients with the latest colorectal cancer treatments and helpful resources.
The comprehensive approach offered by our gynecologic cancer team at Affiliated Oncologists and GCI combines the most advanced treatments and surgical procedures with education and support services for our patients and their families.
Our gynecologic cancer centers are in Downers Grove and Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Choose one that's convenient for you to request an initial consultation or a second opinion.
