As a woman, when you begin to experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and menstrual problems, you likely head to your gynecologist thinking you have an infection or another common reproductive issue. However, if you find that your symptoms are actually caused by endometrial cancer, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to treat and overcome your cancer diagnosis. Get to know some of the treatment options for dealing with endometrial cancer so that when you meet with your oncologist, you can be prepared to develop the right course of treatment for you.

The Surgical Removal of All or Some of the Reproductive Organs

The primary treatment for endometrial cancer (also known as uterine cancer) is through the surgical removal of all or part of the female reproductive organs. A hysterectomy is the standard operation performed.

A hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus. Because endometrial cancer can be so pervasive and may be advanced when diagnosed, this is the surest way to rid that particular organ of cancer cells.

However, sometimes a hysterectomy may not be enough on its own. In such instances, a person may also need a portion of their vagina, their ovaries, and their fallopian tubes removed.  If a woman is of child-bearing age and they need such extensive procedures, they may wish to have their eggs harvested and frozen before they have their ovaries removed so that they can have biological children in the future.

Hormone Therapy And Immunotherapy

Other than surgery, there are numerous other treatment options available for endometrial cancer. Two of these treatments are hormone therapy and immunotherapy.

When a woman goes through hormone therapy for endometrial cancer, the purpose is to stop the body from producing hormones that contribute to the growth of cancer cells in the body. Through the use of hormone medications, these treatments will therefore effectively slow or stop the growth of tumors and can help other treatments to effectively shrink or destroy the remaining cancer cells.

Immunotherapy, on the other hand, is a form of cancer treatment that is designed to stimulate the person's own immune system to fight the cancer cells. The idea behind this treatment is that the patient's own body can be the best tool to fight the cancer that has developed. Through the use of medications that stimulate the immune system to target abnormal cancer cells, patients can fight their endometrial cancer without the negative side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For more information on hormone therapy, talk to a professional like Potter's House Apothecary, Inc.

Now that you know a few of the treatment options available to your for endometrial cancer, you can be better prepared for your appointment with the oncologist and get started in the treatment process.