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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Surgery is the most common type of treatment for womb cancer.
Surgery should be carried out by a surgeon who specialises in gynaecological surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate type of surgery, depending on the stage|, grade and type of your cancer.
Before your surgery the doctor and specialist nurses will explain the operation to you. They will tell you what to expect immediately after the surgery and in the few days following. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the operation. You’ll probably be admitted to the ward the day before your operation, so that the doctors and nurses can do any further tests.
Most women with womb cancer will be advised to have a total hysterectomy|, which involves removing the womb, the fallopian tubes and both ovaries. This operation is sometimes called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy.
Sometimes the lymph nodes close to the womb will also be removed so that they can be checked for cancer cells. This is done at the same time as the hysterectomy. Knowing if the cancer has begun to spread into the lymph nodes helps the doctors to decide whether you need any further treatment. During the operation the surgeon will also put fluid into your abdomen and send some of it to be tested for cancer cells. This is known as an abdominal washing.
If the cancer is completely contained within the womb, a hysterectomy may be all the treatment you need. However, if the cancer can’t be completely removed your surgeon may recommend you have radiotherapy| treatment after the operation. Even if the whole tumour has been removed, radiotherapy is sometimes given to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
Surgery is less often used if you have advanced womb cancer. It may sometimes be possible to have an operation as there is some evidence that removing as much of the cancer as possible can help to slow it down. However, surgery for advanced womb cancer won’t cure it completely. Your doctor can explain to you whether surgery will be of any benefit in your particular situation.
How quickly you recover from your operation will depend on your age and general health, and the type of surgery you’ve had. Your doctor and specialist nurse can give you an idea about what to expect.
You’ll be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. This is an essential part of your recovery, and even if you have to stay in bed the nurses will encourage you to do regular leg movements and deep breathing exercises. A physiotherapist or nurse will explain these exercises to you.
As you won’t be moving around as much as usual, you may be at risk of blood clots forming. To prevent this you’ll be asked to wear special stockings, and may be given an anti-clotting drug called heparin.
When you get back to the ward you will have a drip (intravenous infusion) in a vein in your arm which gives you fluids through a thin tube (cannula) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. This will be taken out once you can eat and drink normally again.
You may have drainage tubes in the wound to stop any excess fluid collecting. These are taken out within a few days. Usually a small tube (catheter) is put into your bladder and urine is drained into a collecting bag.
After your operation, you’ll probably have some pain or discomfort for a few days. There are several different types of painkillers that can be given to you at regular intervals or when you need them. Always let your doctor or nurse know if you have any pain or discomfort. The painkillers or their dose can be changed to suit your needs. Some people may continue to have some pain after they go home. Let your doctor or nurse know if you think you need painkillers to take home with you.
Most women are ready to go home about 4-6 days after their operation. If you think you might have problems when you go home (for example, if you live alone or have several flights of stairs to climb), let your nurse or social worker know when you are admitted to the ward. They can then arrange help before you leave hospital.
Some people take longer than others to recover from their operation. If you have any problems, you may find it helpful to talk to someone who isn’t directly involved with your illness. You could contact our cancer support specialists|.
Some hospitals follow an Enhanced Recovery Programme that can help to reduce complications following surgery and speed up your recovery. The programme involves careful planning before your operation so that you are properly prepared and any arrangements that are needed for you to go home are already in place.
You’ll also be encouraged to take high-protein and high-calorie supplements before and after your surgery, and to start moving around as soon as possible, sometimes on the day of the operation. After you have gone home you’ll be regularly reviewed to make sure that you are recovering well.
Although you’ll no longer have your monthly periods or be able to become pregnant|, you will, when you feel ready, be able to be sexually active again. Your surgeon will probably advise you not to have sex for at least six weeks after your operation, to allow the wound to heal properly. Many women need more time before they are ready to have a sexual relationship. If you have any questions about these issues, don’t be afraid to discuss them with your GP, surgeon, specialist nurse or our cancer support specialists.
Our section on Sexuality and cancer| discusses ways of dealing with the physical and emotional changes that cancer treatment can cause.
After a hysterectomy it can take time for the abdominal (tummy) muscle and skin to heal. Because of this you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity, or heavy lifting, for about two months. Some women also find it uncomfortable to drive after their operation. It is a good idea to wait a few weeks before you start driving again. Some insurance companies have guidelines about this, and you may wish to contact your own company or the DVLA (Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Association)| for advice.
Before you leave hospital, you’ll be given an appointment to attend an outpatient clinic for your post-operative check-up. This is a good time to discuss any problems that you may have had since your operation.
Some women take longer than others to recover from their operation. If you find you are having problems, it may be helpful to talk to your specialist nurse who can give you (and your family) help, advice and support during and after your treatment. You may prefer to talk to someone who isn’t directly associated with your illness.
Our cancer support specialists will always be happy to talk to you|. They may be able to put you in touch with local or national support groups, where you can talk to other women going through a similar situation.
Some women find it very helpful to see a counsellor, and we can give you contact details for counselling services around the country.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.