What Are the Treatments for Stage IB Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer develops in the uterine lining. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), when the disease is in Stage IB, it is still localized. Specifically, it has grown past the lining into the inner half of the muscle layer, known as the myometrium. At this stage, there are several treatment options available.

Surgery

• According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery is the most common treatment for endometrial cancer, regardless of stage. Doctors may recommend removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), but more commonly they will also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).

Lymph Nodes

• Lymph nodes may be removed during surgery to make sure the cancer doesn't spread. These are taken from the pelvic and abdominal areas.

Considerations

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that surgery alone may be enough to eliminate Stage IB cancers. If this is the case, the oncologist will conduct careful post-operative monitoring.

Radiation

• If the cancer is a particularly aggressive cell type, the ACS states that radiation therapy may be necessary after surgery. Radiation therapy alone is also an option for women who can't undergo surgery.

Expert Insight

• According to the NCI, the prognosis is favorable for women with localized endometrial cancer. The five-year relative survival rate is 95.7 percent.